Mike Harris’ return to the Wallabies fold appears over before it even begins after he suffered a hamstring tear in the Melbourne Rebels’ Super Rugby win over the Western Force.

The utility back was set to fly to Queensland straight after Sunday’s match to go into camp with the Australian squad but instead is staying home, with scans booked for Monday.

The 27-year-old was playing only his fourth game of the season after suffering a serious quad injury in round one, which was also against the Force.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he’d seen enough to include Harris in the 39-man squad before June’s three-Test series against England.

Harris showed why with some good form in the opening 10 minutes on Sunday but suffered the injury as he set up the Rebels’ first try, which was scored by Reece Hodge.

A shattered Harris made a quick exit from AAMI Park, and Rebels coach Tony McGahan said he felt for his playmaker, whose last Test was in 2013.

“It’s really disappointing that he will miss the opportunity,” McGahan said.

“Mike would be bitterly disappointed, no doubt at all as he’s worked hard to get back in this position.

“In the limited time he’s played this year he’s been a big influence on what we’re doing and the Australian selectors saw enough in him.”

The Rebels don’t play again until early July due to the Test break, and McGahan said he couldn’t say whether Harris would be available for the closing three rounds.

Veteran centre Tamati Ellison was ruled out for the season during the week after damaging his calf at training.

“We certainly hope Mike’s not ruled out for the season because we have already four or five backs so we don’t want to add to that list,” McGahan said.