Wallaby vice captain will miss next year's Super 12 competiton after being ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Giffin will miss between 6-8 months of rugby after injuring his left shoulder on the Wallabies' recent tour of Europe.
On returning to Australia, an MRI scan revealed greater than expected instability in Giffin's left shoulder.

Giffin, who injured the shoulder in the first match of the Wallabies' tour against the England National Division XV, will undergo re-construction surgery on Tuesday. .

"I persevered for the rest of the tour but it was pretty obvious that something was wrong," Giffin told the ARU's website.

"The scan revealed I needed surgery to repair the damage so that's what I'm going to do. It's disappointing that I won't be able to play in the Brumbies' defence of our Vodafone Super 12 title but I'll be looking to make a contribution in other ways."

It's not the first time Giffin has undergone reconstruction surgery on his left shoulder.

"That's right. In the final game of the Super 12 in 1998 against Queensland I went in to pick up a ball off the ground and was cleaned up. I dislocated my shoulder and missed all of the 1998 international season. It took seven months to get it right last time so, if things go to plan, I'll be right for the Wallabies' end of season tour in 2002."

Brumbies coach David Nucifora says the loss of one of his vice captains and senior players is considerable.

"You don't replace world class players easily. Giff is a very fine player and offers us a range of qualities on the field that we will certainly miss," said Nucifora.

"But at the same time it does open up opportunities for David Pusey, Dan Vickerman and Radiki Samo to make their contribution. They've all shown they are capable, so here is their chance."

Nucifora also confirmed Giffin would remain an important member of the team in 2002.

"He mightn't be able to play but he can do plenty of other things. David Giffin is a talented man and we'll be looking to use those talents in a variety of ways."