Andy Farrell will miss at least the first month of the Guinness Premiership season after suffering a fracture and dislocation of his thumb.

The Saracens centre sustained the injury during Friday's pre-season friendly against Western Force.

Farrell was on the pitch for a matter of minutes before suffering the injury which will rule him out for the next eight weeks.

"It's totally frustrating, especially after flogging yourself for eight weeks in pre-season and then just when you start to look forward to the games, this happens," Farrell said.

"Things were going really well. I played out in Bayonne in a friendly the week before, felt in great shape and was looking forward to getting on the field against Western Force.

"I'd only been on a few minutes when I went in for a cover tackle and took the impact on my thumb - as soon as it happened I knew I was in a bit of trouble."

More news from SportingLife.com