Stokkies Hanekom has been ruled out for the rest of the season after fracturing his leg in the loss to the Sharks.

Hanekom has been in fine form for the Lions this season – scoring four tries and providing a constant threat in midfield – and his enforced absence will be a massive loss for coach Johan Ackermann heading into the play-offs.

He is also likely to miss the start of the 2015 Super Rugby season, although the Golden Lions have given no indication on the exact length of time he is expected to spend on the sidelines.

In a further blow, fullback Andries Coetzee will be out for two weeks after suffering a groin strain in the captain's run ahead of the match in Durban.

The Lions will face the Free State Cheetahs at Ellis Park this weekend, where a win will be enough to secure second place on the log and a home semi-final.

Photo: Sabelo Mngoma/BackpagePix