Paul Willemse ruled out for the rest of the season

Top 14 leaders Montpellier have been dealt a massive blow ahead of their Heineken Champions Cup quarter-final at La Rochelle as Paul Willemse, the recent Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam winner with France, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season. 

The 29-year-old South African damaged his knee in last Saturday's league defeat versus Lyon and the medical update issued by his club on Tuesday wasn't good. 

A statement from Montpellier read: "We can confirm Paul Willemse's knee injury following the confrontation against Lyon. He suffered a rupture of the medial-lateral ligament of the knee. 

"We currently estimate his unavailability at eight weeks. He will finish the season in the medical service and will remain present with the group in order to support his partners in the final stretch. We wish him a good recovery."

Willemse was a Montpellier starter in their dramatic one-point aggregate victory over their two round of 16 leg matches versus Harlequins last month and his absence for the European clash with La Rochelle and the games to follow in the Top 14 won't just affect his club as the injury will also see him miss the France tour to Japan in July. 

His injury is the latest complication for Montpellier boss Philippe Saint-Andre. The season ended recently for Cobus Reinach following his shoulder injury while tighthead Mohamed Haouas is due to appear at a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday following a dangerous tackle on Clement Laporte. He could be suspended for several weeks.

Following this weekend's European quarter-final, Montpellier have two matches remaining in the regulation league season before the end-of-season Top 14 playoffs.