Thomas faces lengthy lay-off

London Wasps centre Lee Thomas will be sidelined for up to nine months due to a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Thomas was forced off the field in the final minutes of last Saturday's 30-23 defeat to Exeter Chiefs.

“We are bitterly disappointed to lose Lee who was really starting to find his feet in a Wasps shirt,” said London Wasps Director of Rugby Dai Young.

“I thought he was excellent against Leicester and played very well against Exeter until he was forced off and it’s a big blow to lose him for so long.

“We really feel for him as I know he was thoroughly enjoying his first few months here but we will have to focus on getting him back fit and ready for next season.

“He is a good character and once he is over the disappointment of being injured he’ll be an important guy to have around with all of his experience.”