Crusaders captain Scott Barrett will miss the rest of the Super Rugby Aotearoa season due to a foot injury.
The All Blacks forward missed the 39-25 win over the Hurricanes on Sunday, due to an issue with his plantar fascia suffered during an intra-squad game the week prior to the start of the revised competition.
A second scan has revealed "significant injury to the structures supporting his big toe", which requires surgery.
Alex Ainley has joined the Crusaders squad as injury cover for the competition, while Codie Taylor will take over captaincy of the side for the remainder of the season.
There's no shortage of ready-made replacements for Barrett, with Mitch Dunshea, Luke Romano, and Quinten Strange all capable of slotting into the second row.
Barrett's recovery time frame is yet to be determined.
In more positive injury news, the Crusaders are hopeful they'll have midfielder Braydon Ennor back for their clash with the Chiefs on Sunday.
Ennor was forced from the field against the Hurricanes due to what was later determined to be a haematoma on his thigh, but took part in Wednesday's training.
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