All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea has revealed he will miss most of the 2020 Super Rugby season.
On Sunday night, the Hurricanes loose forward told fans on Instagram that he would undergo knee surgery, after sustaining an injury in the Rugby World Cup semi-final.
"Thought I'd let you guys know that I'll be getting surgery on my knee that I injured in the semi-final," Savea shared to his 259,000 followers.
As a result, the 26-year-old will miss 5-6 months of the Super Rugby season.
"So [I] will miss the majority of the Super Rugby season with my [Hurricanes] brothers," he wrote.
The Wellingtonian said he was "pretty gutted" by the revelation.
"Pretty gutted when I found out, even though I thought I'd be sweet if something like this happened," he admitted.
"I'm good now, just been partying and relaxing and now will wait for surgery.
"Looking forward to the journey of rehabbing my knee and trying to get back on the field and supporting and helping out the Canes [Hurricanes] in any way I can and s**t, pumped to have some downtime and work on things off the field and navigate that space.
"But yea, wanted to let you guys know from me and no one else. Much love famz, stay blessed."
He captioned the post "the journey continues", with the hashtag "I'll be back".
Kiwi singer Stan Walker expressed his well wishes to Savea in the comments: "Much aroha to you my bro, praying for God's protection over you and a full recovery my bro."
Former All Whites footballer Jeremy Brockie also wished Savea a speedy recovery: "All the best with the rehab... enjoy the 'partying and relaxing', well deserved."
