(Reuters) – New Zealand rugby star Will Jordan will be out for the entire Super Rugby Pacific season and the July test series against England as he is set to undergo surgery for a shoulder injury, the Canterbury Crusaders announced on Tuesday.
Jordan, who made headlines with his performance on the wing during New Zealand’s World Cup final run last year, has been dealing with the injury since last season, according to the club.
“After assessment from the Crusaders medical team, he will undergo surgery and as a result be unavailable for selection during the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season,” the Super Rugby outfit said in a statement.
“He is expected to be fit to return to play in approximately six months.”
The 25-year-old, known for his speed, has an impressive record of scoring a try in each of his 31-test career games, including eight during last year’s World Cup. His absence will be deeply felt as the All Blacks prepare to face England twice and Fiji once in July.
His loss will also be significant for the Crusaders as they aim for their eighth consecutive Super Rugby title this season under new coach Rob Penney.
The Crusaders will kick off the new campaign with a re-match of last year’s final against the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney in Sydney, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
