Richmond have confirmed three-time premiership winning Tiger Jason Castagna has suffered a medium-term hamstring tear during a match simulation on Saturday, unable to complete the match after limping off Punt Road.

While Richmond confirmed the suspected severity of the injury on Monday, the club is yet to provide an update on how long the Tiger will be sidelined for, revealing that he will begin his rehabilitation later in the week.

Castagna, 26, entered the year without a deal beyond the end of the season while also facing stiff competition for his spot in Damien Hardwick's forward line.

The tattooed Tiger spent portions of last season at VFL level after twice being dropped, with Hardwick preferring to blood an array of cubs in his place.

At present, Castagna faces an uphill battle to win his place ahead of the ball with each of Judson Clarke, Noah Cumberland, Maurice Rioli, Tyler Sonsie and former skipper Trent Cotchin all vying for a place in the Tigers' front six.

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Prior to injuring the tendon, Castagna had been running through the midfield during Richmond's match practice session on Saturday morning.

Behind the ball, delisted Cat Quinton Narkle did his chances of earning a place on the Tigers' list little harm, wheeling and dealing freely off half-back.

The Punt Road side will have until close of business on Wednesday to decide whether, or not, to offer an AFL lifeline to the Western Australian.

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Following the club's unofficial, six-quarter hitout against the Roos - scheduled for February 24, Richmond will travel to face Melbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday, March 4.

As has become standard, Richmond will then face Carlton in Round 1 in what is sure to be a cracking contest between the top-four hopefuls at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.