The Takamatsu Five Arrows will vie for the franchise's first championship without one of their most vital players, center George Leach.

The 210-cm Leach sustained a season-ending injury in his right knee in the Jan. 17 game against the Rizing Fukuoka, assistant coach Kenzo Maeda confirmed on Thursday.

Leach sustained a torn patellar tendon. The injury will require extensive physical rehabilitation following surgery.