Mason Grady has been ruled out of Wales' autumn internationals due to a shoulder injury.
The Cardiff centre needed surgery after he picked up an AC joint injury during their pre-season win over Richmond earlier this month.
It's a fresh blow for the versatile Barry-born star, who was playing his first game after recovering from an ankle fracture during Wales' defeat to Fiji last November.
A Cardiff Rugby spokesperson said Grady "will now begin his rehabilitation process" with the aim of returning to action "in the second block of fixtures" after the November test matches.
Grady will also miss the start of the URC season, which kicks off next weekend with the future of the four Welsh regions in flux, amid WRU plans to cut the number of professional teams.
Wales, under new head coach Steve Tandy, begin their Autumn Nations Series against Argentina on 9th November, followed by games against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
Realistically, Grady's hopes of reviving his international career following a lengthy lay-off will rest with next year's Six Nations.
Last January, after signing a new contract to stay with Cardiff, he said he was "determined to come back stronger", after being sidelined for the rest of the season.
Barry beat Haverfordwest in five-goal thriller
Bro Radio partners with Hospital Radio Glamorgan for Cardiff Half Marathon Coverage
Young Bombers routed at Rhiwbina
Bluebirds hit Barry Ladies for five
Bombers scrape past Abercynon
Three out of three for Penarth
Silkmen statemate for Barry
Welsh Cup wins for Dinas and Llantwit
Barry Town United Teams Up with Llamau to Tackle Youth Homelessness in Wales
Barry visit Haverfordwest in MG Cup quarter finals
Entries now open for 2026 Run 4 Wales 10k Series
Barry Ladies edged out at Wrexham
Young Bombers rally against Beddau
Ellis poised for Wales RL debut
Barry rout Bala in statement win
All square for Llantwit and Caerau
