Chiefs co-captain Sam Cane could return to Super Rugby action as early as May after suffering a serious neck injury against South Africa last in October.
Cane suffered a neck fracture in the All Blacks' 32-30 Rugby Championship win over the Springboks in Pretoria last year.
The 26-year-old spoke to media today about his recovery.
"April is when I'll meet with the specialist again and that is when I will get a scan," said Cane.
"That will be telling as to how well the two vertebrae have fused together, there is no reason why it won't go well.
"And if it does then it could be six or so weeks from there, it's just easing back into contact. When it is good to go it will be ready."
Cane said he is grateful with the position he is in now, knowing that things could've been worse with his injury.
"Although being in the brace close to three months was tough, I could have been a heck of a lot worse.
"You can always find a silver lining whatever you come across."
The Chiefs begin their Super Rugby campaign against the Highlanders at home [Waikato Stadium] next month on February 15.
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