Conor O'Shea will miss the start of next season after suffering a setback during his recovery from an ankle injury.
The London Irish player, 30, has been sidelined since breaking his ankle during the Exiles' match against Gloucester more than five months ago.
And the former Ireland international full-back is now recuperating from further surgery which will delay any first team return until at least next October.
"Over recent weeks, as Conor tested his ankle to gauge how well it was recovering from the original fracture, complications arose that resulted in a further operation," said a club spokesman.
"Conor's ankle has been re-set, and will be in plaster for eight weeks. He will not be able to play competitive rugby until October at the earliest."