Bristol fly-half Ed Barnes is facing another six months on the sidelines after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon.

The 28-year-old was initially injured in April – and was closing on a return to first-team action when he was again struck down by injury.

Barnes was taking part in a light jogging and shuttle-run exercise as part of his rehabilitation programme when he re-ruptured the Achilles.

Barnes underwent surgery on Monday – and Bristol head coach Paul Hull has confirmed the play-maker will not feature until April at the earliest.

"Obviously, this latest setback is devastating for Ed as an individual and very disheartening for us as a club," said Hull.

"He worked so hard in the off-season to get himself to a position where he was roughly six weeks away from being fully integrated into training.

"He was in the last stage of rehab and was just doing some jogging and shuttle-runs, which he had been doing for the past few weeks.

"It was nothing he hadn't done before, but on the last set he re-ruptured the Achilles. It's the same Achilles and it's bitterly disappointing."

Aside from the personal devastation suffered by Barnes, Hull believes the fly-half's continuing absence will also hurt Bristol.

With Barnes and Chris Ashwin both injured, they have operated so far this season with Adrian Jarvis as their frontline No 10 and rookie Mark Davies providing back-up.

"We were all looking forward to him coming back into the squad," said Hull.

"He can play at 10 or 12 and he would have been a good option for us and given us a few more selection headaches. It would certainly have been useful to have him back.

"But it is what it is and, unfortunately, he will be out for a long time again."

And one of the biggest hurdles facing Barnes as he contemplates another six-month rehabilitation programme is the mental challenge a second serious injury will bring.

"When anyone is injured for a long time, it takes a lot to keep the motivation levels high," said Hull. "Six months is the standard recovery time for a ruptured Achilles tendon – but Ed is a strong character and I am sure he will come back even stronger after this.

"It's hugely disappointing, but we have to move on – and Ed is already on that recovery process, mentally."

Hull would not comment on the possibility of signing cover for Barnes, saying instead: "At the moment, we are just dealing with Ed and making sure he gets back to Bristol safely."