21 May 2015

More injury woes for Blues

4:12 pm on 21 May 2015

The Blues injury list has hit unlucky thirteen, with four of those players ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season.

Joining captain Jerome Kaino and Luke Braid on the long-term injured list are All Blacks Steven Luatua and Patrick Tuipulotu.

Luatua, the stand-in captain for Kaino, dislocated his shoulder in the win over the South African side the Bulls last week and won't return for the final three Blues games.

Steven Luatua's Super rugby season is over after suffering a shoulder injury.

Steven Luatua's Super rugby season is over after suffering a shoulder injury. Photo: Photosport

Tuipulotu has a long-term hip injury that has worsened and he, too, is unlikely to make it back in the next four weeks.

Also unavailable for this week's match against the Hurricanes in Auckland is All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock with a shoulder injury and Charlie Faumuina, who is on All Blacks leave.

Others not considered for this week's match include Pita Ahki (hamstring), Dan Bowden (groin) and Bryn Hall (foot).

There is better news for the All Black back Charles Piutau, who's recovering from a knee injury and may be available before the end of the Super Rugby season.