Sam Burgess will have a metal plate inserted into his face after fracturing a cheekbone and eye socket in Australia's NRL Grand Final at the weekend and could be ruled out of action until December.
Burgess, who was injured six seconds into the match, was due to arrive at Bath on October 15. He was known to have fractured his cheekbone at the time but the damage to his eye socket was only revealed when he had X-rays.
"Scans this morning have confirmed that Burgess requires surgery to repair fractures in his cheekbone and eye socket," a statement from South Sydney Rabbitohs said. "He will have surgery this afternoon [Tuesday] to have a plate inserted into his face to repair the damage."
Speaking to a local radio station before the operation, he said that the post-match euphoria which dulled the pain had gone. "The cheek is pretty sore, the adrenalin has certainly worn off. It is worth it for the feeling we got at the end of the game."
Asked when he expected to be able to debut for Bath, he said: "It will be a while, but that is the least of my worries right now. Hopefully this face won't be damaged for too long. I have to get it fixed and then crack on."
Just laying in hospital waiting for surgery, I look similar to a hamster at the moment. I wouldn't change anything for the world though
— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) October 7, 2014