Blues captain Dalton Papalii could miss the rest of the Super Rugby playoffs and the All Blacks series against Ireland in July.
Papalii was named to start for the Blues in their quarter-final against the Highlanders on Saturday, but was withdrawn because of an illness, and could face some weeks on the sideline, Stuff is reporting.
The 24-year-old is understood to be battling appendicitis.
It's a huge blow for Papalii and the Blues, as the table-topping side look to continue their good form into the finals having already cemented home advantage for their remaining games.
It also gives further selection headache to All Blacks coach Ian Foster, who is due to name his squad to take on the Irish after the playoffs.
Papalii was favourite for the No.7 jersey, but the picture isn't so clear anymore following his withdrawal.
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