All Blacks captain and loose forward Sam Cane is looking forward to "coming back stronger" after successful surgery on his torn pectoral muscle.
Cane will miss most of the test season while sidelined for up to six months after suffering the injury during the Chiefs' win over the Blues last month in Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Cane also had work on his shoulder during the surgery.
"Surgery went well," he said on social media.
"Grateful to have had a very good surgeon who reattached my pectoral muscle but also tired (sic) up a few lose (sic) ends with my shoulder while he was in there," said Cane.
"Looking forward to starting the rehab process and coming back stronger."
Sam Cane Photo: Photosport
The All Blacks are due to host Italy and Fiji in the July international window, pending the COVID-19 situation and signoff from global governing body World Rugby.
All Blacks prop Joe Moody, centre Jack Goodhue and loose forward Ardie Savea may also be set for a stint on the sidelines after sustaining injuries during the bruising Crusaders win over the Hurricanes at the weekend.
-Reuters