Australia: Reds fly-half James O’Connor set for month out with hamstring injury

O’Connor will therefore miss their final regular season Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Crusaders on Friday, as well as the play-offs, which begin a week later.

Wallabies boss Dave Rennie will also be concerned, with the national team set to take on England in a three-Test series in July.

The fly-half is a doubt for those games after he sustained a low grade hamstring tear, which usually has a recovery period of about a month.

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O’Connor has endured a number of injury issues throughout his career and only recently returned following a knee problem.

His absence threatens to completely derail the Reds, who faltered when the 30-year-old was on the sidelines for their games against the New Zealand teams.

They suffered successive defeats to the Hurricanes, Chiefs, Highlanders and Blues before getting back on track with a 34-22 triumph over Moana Pasifika at the weekend.

Brad Thorn’s men are guaranteed a quarter-final spot but they are currently on course to face a daunting trip to the Crusaders in the last-eight.

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