Star prop Atu Moli is one of four Chiefs players who have been ruled out of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season.
The All Blacks forward will undergo surgery on both his left and right hips for chronic hip dysfunction, meaning he'll play no part in the revised, 10-week domestic competition.
Wing Sam McNichol will join him on the sidelines, after having had ankle surgery last week.
Locking duo Michael Allardice and Laghlan McWhannell have also sustained season-ending injuries.
Both have had surgery, former captain Allardice undergoing a shoulder reconstruction and McWhannell correction on a knee.
Taranaki prospect Tupou Vaa'i has been brought into the squad as cover at lock.
Moli's loss will be keenly felt upfront, with fellow All Black Angus Ta'avao out of action until early July, as he continues his long comeback from his left leg issues.
Allardice has played a significant role in the second row for the Chiefs in the absence of All Black Brodie Retallick, who's technically still on sabbatical despite being back in the country after the Japanese Top League was cancelled.
The Chiefs will alos be kicking off their cmapaign against the Highlanders on Saturday without captain Sam Cane, who's succubed to a lower back strain.
It's understood the injury isn't serious and the Chiefs are confident they'll have him back for the return to Hamilton against the Blues on June 20.
