Crusaders star loose forward Ethan Blackadder has been ruled out of the All Blacks test series against Ireland in July.
The flanker dislocated his shoulder in his team's win over the Reds in their Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final last week.
The Crusaders have confirmed Blackadder needs surgery and will be unavailable for the rest of 2022, but will make his return at the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season in 2023.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson expressed his sympathy for Blackadder.
"We really feel for Ethan, who has been in incredible form and is such a hardworking and well-respected member of this team," he said.
"Our medical team will do what they do best and ensure he has everything he needs to be right for the 2023 season. In the meantime, he'll find other ways to contribute to our group, as Ethan always does."
The Crusaders have named Tom Christie as Blackadder's replacement for their semi-final clash against the Chiefs on Friday.
Christie admits it's bittersweet news for him, but he hopes to fill the large boots of his teammate.
"You never want to see one of your mates get injured," said Christie. "Ethan's a huge part of this team so it is bittersweet, but it does bring opportunity as well.
"That's the nature of rugby sometimes - you never know when the opportunity is going to come or how it's going to come.
"To be starting in the semi-final is a great opportunity, so I'm looking forward to it, walking towards it and ready to attack this weekend.
