Ruben Love and Asafo Aumua of the Hurricanes celebrate, 2024 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
In-form Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua will be out of action for up to two months after suffering a knee injury in last weekend's Super Rugby Pacific game in Fiji.
Aumua sustained an isolated MCL tear in his left knee with the club saying he would be sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks.
He was assisted from the field in Lautoka just 10 minutes after coming on as a second-half replacement in the game against Fijian Drua.
It means that he is likely to miss the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season with the final scheduled for 22 June.
The Hurricanes are unbeaten at the top of the Super Rugby standings with Aumua playing a big part in the club's form this season.
His form would have him in consideration for a return to the All Blacks this year.
The All Blacks' first test of the year is against England in Dunedin on 6 July.
Aumua, 26, has played six tests. He debuted in 2017 with his last test in 2021 against Italy in Rome.
James O'Reilly is the other hooker the Hurricanes have used this year, while Jacob Devery is also out with an injury.
Raymond Tuputupu is now likely to be the backup rake.
Club legend Dane Coles ended his time with the club last year and is currently playing in Japan.