21 Apr 2014

Schwalger news a blow but Hurricanes say there's depth

6:44 pm on 21 April 2014

The former All Black prop John Schwalger will miss the remainder of the Super Rugby season after being diagnosed with blood clots on his lungs.

The 30-year-old, who has played twice for the All Blacks, missed the Hurricanes 39-20 win over the Auckland Blues in Wellington on Friday after the diagnosis.

His front-row teammate Dane Coles says they'll miss Schwalger and the news took everyone by surprise.

Coles says they all feel for Schwalger who will be out of the game for six months.

But he believes they've got enough cover in Reggie Goodes and Chris Eves and they'll be bolstered by the likely return of All Black prop Ben Franks this week.