WELLINGTON – Crusaders flanker Jordan Taufua will miss next Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Lions after breaking his arm and could also be out of contention for the All Blacks.
Taufua suffered the injury in the 19th minute of the Crusaders' 30-12 semi-final victory over fellow New Zealand side the Hurricanes in Christchurch on Saturday.
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said after the game his initial reaction was that Taufua would miss the Aug. 4 final and possibly be out for some time, which the flanker confirmed on Sunday.
"Unfortunately for me that's my season on the field done," Taufua said on his Instagram 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."
Local media reported that Taufua would need surgery to repair the broken bone, which could rule him out for 12 weeks.
A layoff of that length could cruelly dash Taufua's All Blacks aspirations this season.
He was called into Steve Hansen's squad for the first time during last month's series against France but suffered a calf injury during training and did not play.
The All Blacks squad for the southern hemisphere's Rugby Championship, which starts on Aug. 18, will be named after the Super Rugby final.