Crusaders suffer double injury blow

Crusaders have suffered a double injury blow in the ongoing Super Rugby Aotearoa with vice-captain David Havili and flanker Ethan Blackadder set to miss the remainder of the campaign through injuries.

Havili, returned to action recently after undergoing an emergency bowel surgery in March but now has suffered a thumb injury during the closing stage of the fifth round game against Blues where he left the field in the 77th minute.

Meanwhile, Blackadder who also returned from a shoulder injury that he suffered last year has underwent a surgery on his knee on Monday.

“It’s a shame for them,” assistant coach Jason Ryan said to Stuff of Havili and Blackadder.

“They have both got a lot of respect in the group and were both looking forward to this next block, but it’s been taken from them. But that’s the game.’’

The duo will join skipper Scott Barrett and Cullen Grace, who are also out of action with a foot and a thumb injury respectively.

Crusaders hold the top position in the Super Rugby Aotearoa table with five wins in as many games and will face Hurricanes in the seventh round in Christchurch on 25th July.