Share

All Blacks star sidelined for 6 weeks

Wellington - Blockbusting All Black and Highlanders wing Waisake Naholo will miss up to six weeks of Super Rugby after injuring his knee in training, the New Zealand franchise said on Tuesday.

The Highlanders are already missing All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith with an ankle injury as they face a tough run including four New Zealand derbies in the next five weeks, starting with the Hurricanes in Dunedin on Friday (08:35 SA time).

"Waisake Naholo sustained a knee injury at training yesterday. He has undergone an MRI scan, revealing a grade two MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury," the Highlanders said in a brief statement.

"He is currently in a knee brace and will be unavailable for up to six weeks while he is rehabilitating."

Naholo has played 26 Tests for the All Blacks, scoring 16 tries since his debut in 2015.

He broke his leg the same year but famously managed to recover in time for the World Cup after going to Fiji and receiving treatment from his uncle, a traditional healer, which he credited with fixing his injury in just days.

There was no word from the Highlanders on whether he would seek similar treatment for his latest problem.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE