British Lions star Rob Henderson will miss the start of Esher’s National One campaign after undergoing knee surgery.

The former Wasps, Munster and Ireland centre went under the knife last week and will be out for at least 10 weeks.

It is a huge blow to Esher, with the opening clash against Exeter just a month away.

Director of rugby Mike Schmid said: “It’s very disappointing to lose somebody like Rob so close to the start of the new season.

“He’s had the problem for a few weeks but we thought rest and recuperation would do the trick.

“But he took a knock on it and the problem got worse so he went for a scan. The consultant decided he needed a clean-out to get rid of some bone and calcium deposits.

“Then he found he had a cyst, which had been leaking into the knee.

“It’s a blow but, hopefully, he’ll be back in 10 weeks or so.”

Henderson, 35, had a mixed first season at Esher last year as a series of niggling injuries took their toll.

But Schmid is confident Esher have the strength in depth at inside centre to cope.

Club captain Toby Clouston, Chuck Baumberg and Harlequins prospect Seb Jewell are expected to be fighting for the No 12 shirt.

But another rising Quins star, George Lowe, could also be pushing for a first-team place this season.

Lowe, 18, earned rave reviews playing for Esher’s 2nd XV last season and is tipped as a future Premiership star.

Schmid said: “We have plenty of options at 12 with the likes of Toby and Chuck. Seb Jewell is also a 10 or 12 and a left-footer so that gives us another option.

“George Lowe is also very highly-rated and I had glowing reports from him last season, where many people said he looked a class above.

“Matteo Barbini could also play inside so we have plenty of options.”

Schmid has also strengthened his coaching team off the field with the addition of Chris Kibble.

Kibble has coached at Rosslyn Park and England U18s and will be in charge of the backs.