Crusaders and All Blacks back Will Jordan appears likely to miss the start of the new Super Rugby Pacific season, as he continues to battle with the condition that ended his 2022 season.
Jordan, 24, missed all of the All Blacks' end of year tour last year, affected by what coach Ian Foster described as a vestibular inner ear problem.
A vestibular condition can cause vertigo, dizziness, issues with balance and nausea to those it affects.
However, while it was hoped he would recover over the summer to be ready for Super Rugby with the Crusaders, Jordan's condition has not improved enough for him to start the season as normal.
Coach Scott Robertson says that while Jordan is training with the side in their pre-season, risks won't be taken.
In fact, Jordan's return hasn't been given a timeline, and his return will be solely down to when he's ready to play again.
"It's not concussion-based," said Robertson. "It's a day to day thing with him.
"He trains with us regularly. A lot of the conversations that he has with the medical group are about how he's improving.
"He's trending up, so that's great. As for when he's back, we're unsure. We just work with him and the medical group as best we can."
But while there's no definite timeline as to when Jordan will return, Robertson teased there's been no impact to his ability while he's been sidelined.
"The broader view is that he's tracking really well. He's still got some touch in him.
"He's made a couple of line breaks at training. He's still got that side of it.
"His confidence is improving. It's exciting for him that he's trending up."
The Crusaders begin Super Rugby Pacific when they face the Chiefs in Christchurch on February 24.
