The 31-year-old tore cruciate ligaments in his left knee in the first half of the the 25-6 victory semi-final win over Munster, meaning he will miss not only the May 23 final at Murrayfield but also several international matches for the Pumas, including two Tests against England next month.

Contepomi, who will play at Toulon next season, told La Nacion newspaper: “I am sad, but I want to face this as positively as possible.

“I only want to be calm to plan what to do, how to sort out the surgery. I know I will not be the first or the last player to suffer this injury.

“To miss the (Heineken Cup) final and what was coming at the Pumas is painful, but I know I cannot help this. The aim is to do everything to get over this and be stronger when I return.

“I will miss important matches, but I will be back in October, so it will not be so bad considering the time of the year this injury comes.”