 Sam Tuitupou has scored 12 tries since joining Worcester Warriors in 2007.
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Worcester Warriors' All Black centre Sam Tuitupou will miss the rest of the season after injuring his right knee.
The New Zealander ruptured his right anterior cruciate ligament during Saturday's 16-16 Guinness Premiership draw at Newcastle Falcons.
Director of rugby Mike Ruddock said that losing the 26-year-old international is a major setback.
"He's out for the rest of the season so it's a big blow for Sam and for us," Ruddock told BBC Hereford & Worcester.
"What's amazing is that he did it quite early on in the Newcastle game and was able to play on and that just shows what a great character and competitor he is. We're going to miss those traits."
Tuitupou, who has played nine times for the All Blacks, has scored 12 tries in his 35 appearances for the Warriors.
He will need reconstruction surgery but is expected to make a full recovery and be available for pre-season training next year.
And, in the short term, his injury gives summer signing Hal Luscombe a chance to get back into action.
The 27-year-old Wales international has spent most of the season on the sidelines since his summer move from Harlequins, but is back to full fitness.
'He's a class player," said Ruddock. "And he's looking more and more confident with his progress after injury.
"If ever you're going to look to a player to step in to take over from someone like Sammy then I think Hal Luscombe is the sort of player you'd want there as a replacement."
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