New Zealand international Ardie Savea to be on sidelines for lengthy period

New Zealand international Ardie Savea is set to remain on the sidelines for a lengthy period following a knee injury.

The 26-year-old sustained the blow during New Zealand's World Cup semi-final defeat to England and will now need a surgery to address the issue.

The Hurricanes back-row in his social media account expressed disappointment on the news and revealed that he would be out of action for five to six months which puts him out of contention for the majority of 2020 Super Rugby season.

“Thought I’d let you guys know that I’ll be getting surgery on my knee that I injured in the semi-final,” Savea posted.

“Unfortunately will be out for 5-6 months so will miss the majority of the Super Rugby season with my Canes brothers.

“Pretty gutted when I found out even though I thought I’d be sweet if something like this happened. I’m good now, just been partying and relaxing and now will wait for surgery.

“Looking forward to the journey of rehabbing my knee and trying to get back on the field and supporting and helping the Canes in any way I can.”

The news will be a big blow for Hurricanes, who have already lost Beauden Barrett to Auckland Blues ahead of the new season.

Hurricanes will kick-start the 2020 Super Rugby season with a clash against Stormers at DHL Newlands on 1st February.