Western Force winger Nick Cummins is set to miss more than half of the 2010 Super 14 season after receiving the worst birthday present of his life.

Cummins' dream call-up to the Wallabies' Spring tour training squad in October turned into a nightmare when a teammate accidentally landed on the back of his ankle during a contact drill and badly damaged ligaments.

The 22-year-old speedster, famous amongst the Force faithful for his glorious mullet, recently underwent surgery but is expected to be sidelined for a further four or five months.

The 14-round home-and-away season kicks off on February 12, meaning Cummins will struggle to make it back before the Force's round eight clash with the Stormers on April 2.

"I was right on the cusp (of Wallabies selection) so it's really disappointing," Cummins said.

"I was on the camp and we started off on the Monday morning, on my birthday.

"Everything was going well, I was feeling good, fresh and was going well.

"Then something happened up in the universe and it landed on the back of my leg.

"Pop went the ligament and it's a pretty serious one apparently.

"What a birthday present."

Cummins' absence is a bitter blow to the Force, who lost Matt Giteau, Josh Valentine, Scott Staniforth and Drew Mitchell from last season's star-studded backline.

Cummins said his brief taste of the Wallabies would motivate him during his lengthy rehabilitation.

"It's always disappointing to have an injury, but now that I have had a sniff of the highest level I am hungrier than ever," he said.

"I will be taking on a heavy weight program that's mainly upper body and some single leg stuff and that will drag me through for three-and-a-half months.

"Then I'll hopefully get back into some running, team stuff and get back playing.

"I'd probably need three or four weeks of running, building the muscle back from when I'm in the boot.

"Once you can run, you have to build that match fitness up before getting back in the team."

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