The Queensland Reds have suffered a major blow with with a shoulder injury ruling out ther former Wallabies vice-captain Morgan Turinui for the rest of the Super 14..
The centre will undergo a shoulder reconstruction after failing to overcome a lingering problem with the joint.
The 20-Test ex-NSW Waratah had scans earlier this week after being unable play either of the two opening round matches in South Africa.
The loss of Queensland's most experienced back builds the importance of Wallabies winger Digby Ioane's transition to centre after a strong first-up showing there in last week's 27-24 loss to the Stormers in Cape Town.
Turinui is on a two-year contract with the Reds and must aim to return from surgery at the start of next year.
