New Zealand number eight Johnny Leo’o is set to miss the start of the Top 14 season for Racing Metro after falling victim to a blood clot in his lung (pulmonary embolism), the capital side announced on Wednesday.

Leo’o initially suffered a blood clot in his calf during last Friday’s friendly against Toulouse before being rushed to hospital after it spread to his lungs and caused him “excruciating pain”.

The 33-year-old Auckland native who can also play at flanker is set to leave the Clamart hospital in the next few days before undergoing further tests to determine how long he will be out of action.

Racing Metro travel to Agen on Saturday for their Top 14 opener.