All Blacks skipper Read to undergo back surgery

Wellington - All Blacks captain Kieran Read will miss the start of next year's Super Rugby season as he undergoes surgery to fix a back problem, the Crusaders said on Wednesday.

The reigning Super Rugby champions said Read would have an operation on Saturday on a prolapsed disc, which normally requires four months' recovery.

The injury dogged Read during the All Blacks' recent northern hemisphere tour, forcing him to miss the season-ending Test against Wales.

"He has been reviewed by both the All Blacks and Crusaders medical teams, as well as a back specialist, who will continue to monitor his recovery," the Crusaders said in a statement.

If the Crusaders' four-month estimate is correct, Read will miss the Christchurch-based club's seven opening fixtures of the 2018 season.