Hamilton - The Chiefs may have lost more than competition points in their defeat to the Reds on Sunday, with coach David Rennie fearing star centre Richard Kahui will be out for the remainder of the Super Rugby season after badly dislocating his shoulder.

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According to the allblacks.com website, the powerhouse outside centre fell awkwardly in a tackle early in the second half, leaving the field immediately amidst a horror period for the Chiefs that included the game-deciding three-try burst in 10 minutes from the Reds.

Kahui's combination with Sonny Bill Williams had been one of the highlights of the season for the New Zealand Conference leaders and he had been one of the most dangerous performers in the Cheifs' 22-17 first-half effort.

"We'll get the shoulder scanned tomorrow (Monday), but the likelihood is it's the end of his season from a Super Rugby viewpoint," Rennie said.

"Richard had a big impact in the time he was on the field. I feel for him because he's a bloody top man, a big part of our leadership group and obviously the All Blacks were pretty keen on him playing there.

"It's disappointing for him, but knowing him he'll still have a bit to say about what goes on from here in regard to what we do on the track and helping out the young fellas."

Rennie admitted losing one of his leadership group would be a huge blow for his title-contending outfit, but was confident they'd have the depth to reshuffle and cover the loss, with Jackson Willison the most likely contender to slot into the starting line-up.