Ethan Blackadder's Super Rugby Pacific season could be over, following an injury in the Crusaders' quarter-final victory over the Reds in Christchurch.
Blackadder left the field in clear discomfort during the second half of his side's 37-15 victory at Orangetheory Stadium, holding his arm to fuel worry of a possible break.
The 27-year-old was seen with his arm in a sling in the later stages of the Crusaders' victory.
Speaking after the Crusaders' victory, coach Scott Robertson indicated Blackadder's issue was with his shoulder, but was regardless fearful that the versatile forward won't feature in next week's semi-final.
However, the extent of Blackadder's injury won't be known until he undergoes a scan, Robertson also said.
"It's not great," Robertson said post-match. "He's unlikely to be involved [for] the rest of the season for us.
"Hopefully it's not [needing] an operation. He'll definitely have scans, it's pretty sore as you could see, he was holding it up."
The injury comes amid an outstanding 18 months for Blackadder. After cementing himself firmly in Ian Foster's All Blacks plans to end 2021, Blackadder has been a standout for the Crusaders in their attempt for a sixth Super Rugby title in as many years.
Blackadder was named as the Crusaders' player of the year last month, with his impact on the team appreciated by his coach.
"He's our player of the year - voted by the players and the coaches. He's been one of the form loose forwards in the comp.
"We really feel for him. There's not many in this organisation that's worked harder for the opportunity to play in these finals."
Should Blackadder be ruled out of next week's semi-final, Tom Christie would loom as the standout contender to take the Crusaders' No.7 jersey.
The Crusaders will face the winner of Saturday's quarter-final between the Chiefs and Waratahs next week, with the winner advancing to the final to be played on June 18.
