Lions hooker Robbie Coetzee is set to miss the rest of the Super Rugby season after undergoing a knee operation on Wednesday.

Coetzee ruptured his knee cartilage earlier in the season, and after going under the knife, the Lions confirmed he will be out of action for four months.

Talented youngster Malcolm Marx has emerged as the Lions' first-choice hooker this season, with Armand van der Merwe providing backup, but the lengthy injury absence of Coetzee will be a considerable blow.

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images