Big Brumbies loose forward Fotu Auelua has been ruled out for 10-12 weeks with a knee injury that will see him miss eight Super Rugby matches.

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The physical blindside flank ruptured his medial ligament in a pre-season match against an ACT XV after being tackled at the side of a ruck and is now targeting the match against the Chiefs on April 25 for his comeback.

“It was just one of those things. It could have happened at any time of the season so I guess I’m just lucky that I will still have an opportunity to compete in 2014,” Auelua said.

This setback will be particularly frustrating for Auelua who only recently returned to action after undergoing a shoulder operation in the off-season.

The injury will also test the Brumbies loose forward depth after George Smith, Peter Kimlin and Colby Fainga’a all left at the endof last season.

“The team here are very tightknit and I know I can count on them to get me through this tough patch,” Auelua added.