New Reds recruit Sam Lane's season appears to have come to an abrupt end he ruptured his anterior cruciate during the Reds 13-23 loss to the Stormers.

The match had hardly begun when Lane attempted to change direction to avoid Bryan Habana when his right knee buckled under him.

Lane lay on the ground at Suncorp Stadium in pain and shaking his head in disbelief as an almost identical injury ended his 2011 season.

The Reds injury nightmare deepened minutes later when rising Wallabies centre Ben Tapuai broke his collarbone before the match had even hit the 10 minute mark.

Lane was the Reds fifth choice playmaker after injuries to Quade Cooper, Mike Harris, Ben Lucas and Jono Lance.

Cape Town schooled Lane joined the Reds last month but impressed in his Super Rugby debut against the Brumbies in Round 7 and was named ahead of Mike Harris and Ben Lucas.

Lane is the son of former Wallaby Tim Lane.