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Cape Town - Highlanders
loose forward Elliot Dixon has been ruled out for three to four months
after confirmation he will undergo surgery to repair a torn bicep.
Dixon sustained the injury during Southland's 25-20 Mitre 10 Cup defeat to Manawatu a fortnight ago and will have surgery on Tuesday morning.
The 28-year-old will miss the Maori All Blacks' tour to Canada next month and the rest of the Mitre 10 Cup season, but should definitely return for the 2018 Super Rugby pre-season fixtures.
And the man known as the Brie King in the Southland province of New Zealand, is taking a positive spin on the matter, believing the enforced break offers him a sort of much-needed sabbatical from rugby to spend time with the young family.
"Me and my partner talked about that, that it might end up being good to be able to step away for a bit and spend the summer in Mosgiel just being a dad," Dixon told the Stuff website.
"I'm just gutted I wasn't able to finish the season off with Southland because I'm unsure where I'll be next year. It might have been my last time in a Southland jersey."
Meanwhile, Dixon admitted he is considering a move abroad or extending his stay in New Zealand. He previously said he would make a decision throughout next year's Super Rugby campaign.
With Dixon quite far down the All Blacks' pecking order at the moment, a move overseas could be an attractive option.
"I wouldn't like to go overseas for too long, maybe two years. I would always be keen to pull on a maroon and gold jumper again, so I'm not ruling that out.
"If I go overseas it might just be a couple of years break, if I stay (in New Zealand) I might be back playing for Southland next year."
