All Black Cory Jane's Super Rugby season appears to be over even before it started after suffering a knee injury at training on Friday.
The Hurricanes winger will require surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
The 29-year-old Jane had only returned to training this week.
Coach Mark Hammett says it's devastating to have suffered this serious injury when Jane was looking so strong for this season following such a successful 2012.
Hammett says this isn't the news they wanted to hear at the start of the season, but they have a strong squad and Jane's misfortune means it's an opportunity for another player to step up.
The Hurricanes went on to beat the Crusaders 27-26 in Timaru in their first pre-season game.
Their first Super Rugby clash is against the Blues in Wellington on February 23rd.
