Lions hooker out for four months

Cape Town - The Lions will be without the services of hooker Robbie Coetzee for around four months, it was confirmed on Wednesday. 

Coetzee had picked up a knee injury earlier in the season and he had ti undergo surgery on Wednesday morning.

Coetzee started the Lions' tournament opener against the Sunwolves as well as in their loss to the Highlanders in week 3, but he has not featured since then. 

The surgery, according to a statement released by the Lions, would repair damaged cartilage in his knee. 

The Lions have been impressive so far this Super Rugby season, winning three and losing one of their four fixtures to date. 

They host the Crusaders at Ellis Park on Friday night.