All Blacks and Chiefs captain Sam Cane will miss the remainder of Super Rugby Aotearoa after suffering a pectoral injury.
The 29-year-old will undergo surgery next week after tearing his right pectoral muscle against the Blues last weekend.
Can is expected to be sidelined for up to six months meaning he will miss the early part of the All Blacks 2021 campaign.
"I'm obviously disappointed but also really positive that it’s an easy fix," Cane says.
"I’m looking forward to getting into some rehab post-surgery and doing that really well, so I am coming back in good shape for the end of the rugby season, whatever rugby that maybe.
"In the meantime, I will be supporting the Chiefs boys and doing whatever I can to keep them continuing to move in the right direction."
All Blacks coach Ian Foster says Cane will be missed, but remains a key part of his plans this season.
"We are all disappointed for Sam, but we have full faith in the medical team around him and we wish him well for his surgery and rehabilitation.
"As All Blacks Captain, he will still play a key role in our planning for the 2021 season, and we look forward to him returning to the footy field once his rehab is complete."
