PIC: Connacht flanker Jake Heenan suffers gruesome hand injury ahead of new season [GRAPHIC]

It does not look likely that Jake Heenan will be recovered in time to start the 2016/17 season.

The Kiwi flanker, who is now eligible to play for Ireland after three seasons playing here, suffered a horrific injury to his hand in Thursday's preseason outing against Montpellier. Heenan was caught by a stray boot at the bottom of a ruck in Connacht's 21-19 loss to the French outfit. A stud from the boot sliced right into Heenan's left hand and ensured he was rushed off to hospital. The 24-year-old ruptured a small artery and muscle but, luckily, the nerves and tendons in his hand were intact. Before he went in for surgery, earlier this morning, to get his hand "tidied up", Heenan shared a graphic image of the injury. Be warned, it's a nasty one. Okay... here goes: Connacht coach Pat Lam was understated in his assessment of Heenan's damaged land last night but admitted he will struggle to be 100% for his side's Guinness PRO12 opener against Glasgow Warriors. We wish him a speedy recovery. Exclusive interview with Paraic Duffy on the latest GAA Hour. Subscribe here on iTunes.