Leicester Tigers are considering using injury dispensation cover to bring in a replacement for centre Manu Tuilagi.
The England international is expected to be sidelined for more than 12 weeks with a knee injury sustained in the opening Premiership game of the season
Tigers are therefore entitled to break the salary cap to make a signing.
Head coach Matt O’Connor revealed: “We have the potential to use injury dispensation on Manu so we will see what is available.”
Rules state that when a player is injured for 12 weeks or more, his club may apply to the Premiership’s salary cap manager to recruit a replacement, who is then permitted to remain with the club for the rest of the season.
Last season they brought in Maxime Mermoz on loan from Toulon and they are believed to be looking south of the channel once again.