Cape Town - Crusaders flank Jordan Taufua will miss next Saturday’s Super Rugby final against the Lions and the Rugby Championship with a broken arm.
Taufua sustained the injury in the 19th minute of the Crusaders’ 30-12 semi-final victory over the Hurricanes on Saturday.
Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson said in the aftermath of the game that he suspected Taufua would miss the final and potentially be out for some time, with Taufua confirming the fears in an Instagram post on Sunday.
“Unfortunately for me that’s my season on the field done,” Taufua said on his page.
“Pretty gutted to not be able to run out with my brothers for the final but will be a loud and proud supporter off it!! One more to go.”
The 26-year-old was called up to the All Blacks squad for the three-match series against France in June, but had a potential debut curtailed when he picked up a calf injury in training - not to feature in the series at all.
And now it looks as if the back-rower will have to wait even longer for his bow as he will need surgery to repair the fracture, which would sideline him for 12 weeks.
Steve Hansen will name his squad for the Rugby Championship, which starts on August 18, after the final next Saturday between the Crusaders and Lions.
Kick-off is at 09:35 SA time.