The Lions have confirmed that Dillon Smit will undergo surgery on his shoulder on Tuesday in a further setback for the scrumhalf.

Smit suffered the injury in the first half of the Lions’ Super Rugby Unlocked opener against the Sharks last Friday in Durban.

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The 27-year-old was named in the starting lineup following his excellent performances for the Lions in their pre-season, but dislocated his shoulder when chasing back to cover a kick and prevent Sharks centre Marius Louw from scoring.

The Lions on Tuesday confirmed that after seeing a specialist on Monday, Smit will undergo surgery on Tuesday. His recovery process could rule him out for between four and six months.

Smit, who rose in the Lions ranks from relative obscurity after playing for North-West University in the 2015 Varsity Cup season, has seen his career with the Johannesburg-based franchised plagued by injuries.

He was replaced by 22-year-old Morne van den Berg against the Sharks, who brought plenty of energy and won a couple of key turnovers for his side.

However, Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen may consider the more experienced and level-headed Andre Warner or Ross Cronje for their upcoming match against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday.

The Lions on Monday confirmed that they had been boosted by the return to fitness of flank Roelof Smit, who has rejoined their full training sessions this week.

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