David Havili's rotten luck with injuries has extended with the Crusaders' vice-captain ruled out of the remainder of Super Rugby Aotearoa this morning due to a fractured thumb.
Havili overcame emergency bowel surgery earlier this year to join the Crusaders midway through their campaign only for a Bennett's fracture to bring his return to a swift end.
Crusaders assistant coach Jason Ryan also said loose forward Ethan Blackadder has also been scratched for the rest of the season after having knee surgery last night.
“It's a shame for them," Ryan said of the injured duo.
"They have both got a lot of respect in the group and were both looking forward to this next block, but it's been taken from them. But that's the game."
Ryan said Blackadder's surgery was brought on because his meniscus was "locking up" and "needed a tidy up" but the franchise is unsure whether Havili will need to go under the knife as well.
Havili and Blackadder join skipper Scott Barrett as well as fellow loose forward Cullen Grace on the sidelines as the club turns their attention to a Christchurch clash with the in-form Hurricanes on Saturday night.
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