Titterrell has become a fans favourite as Headingley

Premiership strugglers Leeds Carnegie have been dealt a major injury blow as hooker Andy Titterrell has been ruled out for up to nine months.

The 29-year-old former England and British and Irish Lions front row injured ankle ligaments in training.

Director of rugby Andy Key told BBC Radio Leeds: "It does mean surgery and it can be anything as much as nine months out."

Key confirmed the club are considering signing a replacement.

He added: "Knowing the type of professional he is and the way he looks after himself, he's in a very strong position, as long as the operation goes well to be coming back earlier rather than later."

Titterrell's injury leaves Leeds with just Steve Thompson, who is currently away on England duty, and Phil Nilsen as their senior hookers.

"We are allowed to bring somebody in and we've got a couple of options in that particular area," said Key.

"We're talking to agents at the moment but it's all about making sure we don't jump too quickly and then realise there was another opportunity or option that we could have taken.

"We've got two young guys in the wings that are coming back from injury, and of those Scott Freer will be playing rugby in the next week.

"If that goes well in the next two or three weeks he finds himself perhaps in contention."

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