Mie Honda Heat star Lomano Lemeki suffered a broken jaw after starring on his return against Urayasu D-Rocks on Saturday.
Evergreen Japan international Lemeki, 36, who rejoined Honda from division two side NEC Green Rockets in the summer, scored two tries in six minutes before Urayasu edged their way to victory in the closing minutes.
The Auckland-born utility-back sustained the injury when he tried to stop Urayasu wing Soma Matsumoto on the try line in the 79th minute.
Lemeki, who has 20 Test caps for Japan and shone after a surprise late call-up to the 2023 World Cup, will have an operation this week and is hoping play again this season.
The former Japan sevens star told RugbyJP: “I’m not too sure how long I will be out for but I’m hoping to play in the last two games if possible.
“This season has been super frustrating for me with injuries, but I guess that’s just part of sport. I still haven’t given up on this season be back better and stronger.
“Hopefully I won’t lose too much weight as my mouth will be wired shut and I’ll be on a liquid diet for a few weeks.” added Lemeki who has scored seven tries in four games.
Kieran Crowley’s injury-hit Honda are 10th (out of 12) in division one after four wins and eight defeats. The bottom two teams - which are currently Toyota Verblitz and Urayasu - will face the top two teams in the second tier in a two-leg relegation/promotion play-off.
Honda travel to Hokkaido to face champions Toshiba Brave Lupus on Sunday in round 13 and will also be without the suspended Springboks star Franco Mostert who picked up a red card against Urayasu.
With six games left to alleviate the threat of a potential relegation play-off, the Suzuka-based side have a daunting schedule coming up with Suntory Sungoliath, Saitama Wild Knights and Kubota Spears following the Toshiba game before facing relegation rivals Toyota Verblitz and Black Rams Tokyo.
Honda face TJ Perenara’s Black Rams at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on Sunday 11 May.
Picture courtesy of JRLO
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