New Zealand international Nehe Milner-Skudder to undergo shoulder surgery

New Zealand international Nehe Milner-Skudder's chances of featuring in World Cup later this year in Japan has taken a major blow following a shoulder injury.

The 28-year-old has played in 13 Tests since his debut for the All Blacks in 2015 and has already scored 12 tries but now has been forced to undergo surgery on his shoulder for the second time in the recent times.

"Halfway through what's been a challenging year. There was plenty to work towards and look forward too on the Rugby to-do list but unfortunately, due to ongoing issues with my shoulder from a prior surgery not going as well we'd hoped, it was the best decision to go under the knife again to get it sorted," Milnder-Skudder posted on his Instagram account.

"I've been through "a few" injuries but this has easily been the toughest one - both physically and mentally. However, I'm not ready to give up anytime soon, love a good challenge and have so much love and support around me.

"Obviously I'm guttered at how the start of the year has panned out but as the great MLK once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

His injuries have meant that Milner-Skudder has not featured for Hurricanes in the ongoing season and there are chances he might have played his last game in New Zealand soil as he is set to feature for Toulon in the 2019/20 season after signing a three-year deal with the French club.