The Crusaders wider training group hooker Quentin MacDonald has been ruled out for the rest of the Super 14 rugby season due to a ruptured anterior cruciate knee ligament.
MacDonald was injured during the Crusaders Development Unit's victory over their Blues counterparts at Rugby Park in Christchurch on Saturday.
He will have surgery within the next few weeks.
His expected recovery time is six to nine months.
Also injured in that match was captain Ash Parker, the Number eight breaking a bone in his left hand.
He will be out of action for about a month.
Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis suffered a concussion injury in the victory over the Blues at AMI Stadium and will be assessed further during the week as to his availability for Friday night's game against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
