Jone Macilai and Billy Harmon to miss remainder of season for Crusaders

Crusaders have confirmed that Jone Macilai and Billy Harmon have been ruled out of the remainder of the Super Rugby season due to injuries.

Both the players sustained injuries while playing for Crusaders in the recently concluded game against French Barbarians. Macilai suffered a fractured tibial plateau and will undergo a lengthy rehabilitation phase as he is set to undergo a surgery.

Meanwhile, Harmon sustained a high-grade medial ligament and PCL injury and will go under the knife. Both the players are expected to return to action for the club's Mitre 10 Cup later this year.

The news was confirmed by Crusaders head coach Scott Robertson.

“We accept that injuries are part and parcel of the game, but it is never easy to see players who contribute so much to the team have their season cut short,” he told the Crusaders’ official website.

“Jone was just returning from a lengthy injury, and Billy is in his debut season with the Crusaders, so we feel for both of those guys, but they are certainly in great hands with our world class medical team and we wish them both a speedy recovery.”

Crusaders are currently at the top of the New Zealand Conference after winning 12 out of the 14 games.