The Southern Kings were dealt another cruel blow with the news that one of their high-profile imports, Michael Killian, will the start of their Super Rugby debut.

It was confirmed on Monday - the same day the Kings were told they will not be allowed to field more than the regulation two foreign imports - that Killian will miss out on the debut match against the Western Force, after having fractured his arm during a practice session last Friday.

Kings Director of Rugby Alan Solomons says the break was picked up following x-rays taken at the weekend.

"Michael has a fracture to the mid third of his radius and will be out for between four to six weeks, which means he will miss out on the opening game against Western Force and most likely the Sharks game as well." Solomons said.

Killian was born in Uitenhage and attended Muir College, where he played in the Under-19 and Under-20 competitions for Eastern Province.

He started his professional career at Eastern Province in 2004, representing the Mighty Elephants in the Vodacom Shield and First Division.

In 2008, he moved to the Golden Lions, where he also became a regular for the Lions Super Rugby franchise.

In June last he announced that he would return to Port Elizabeth join the Kings.