Western Force utility back Mark Bartholomeusz is in danger of missing the start of the 2011 Super Rugby season after suffering an ankle injury during training.

Bartholomeusz ruptured ligaments in his left ankle after stepping on a teammates' foot during a routine drill and faces 10 weeks on the sidelines.

The 33-year-old, who played one Test for the Wallabies against Italy in 2002, will now undergo rehabilitation in a bid to be fit for the Force's opening match of the new season against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on February 20.

Meanwhile, Force flanker David Pocock capped a stand-out season by winning the Rugby Union Players' Association's Medal for Excellence on Thursday.

The award is voted on a 3-2-1 basis by all Australian professional players.

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