Exeter's Ikitau sidelined until March after shoulder surgery

Exeter Chiefs centre Len Ikitau, a key player for the Premiership side and the Australian national team, will undergo surgery for a shoulder injury sustained during last weekend's victory over Saracens, the club announced Friday. The 27-year-old is expected to be sidelined until March, missing a series of matches over the holiday period and into the new year.

Ikitau picked up the injury in a tackle during the closing stages of Exeter's 30-24 win at StoneX Stadium in the Gallagher Premiership's round seven clash. He joined the Chiefs on a one-season loan from the ACT Brumbies in October, following an impressive performance for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions earlier in the year. With 47 caps for Australia, Ikitau has quickly integrated into the team, making five appearances across the Premiership and EPCR Challenge Cup while scoring two tries, including his first for the club in a win over the Cheetahs earlier this month.

His partnership with England centre Henry Slade has been instrumental in Exeter's strong start, helping the side climb to second place in the Premiership standings. The injury represents a significant blow to the team's midfield depth at a...