Liam Squire playing against the Crusaders Photo: Photosport
Highlander's loose forward Liam Squire's hopes of making a return to the All Black's this year are all but over after a season-ending injury.
The former-All Black's return to New Zealand rugby has been cut short by a recurring right-knee injury which puts him out of action indefinitely.
Squire has made two appearances off the bench for the Highlander's this season but has been hampered by the right-knee injury and will now take time to rehabilitate.
Squire has had on going injury problems and last year had hip and knee surgeries.
"It's tough for Liam, he has worked hard to get back in shape to have a big season but his knee has flared up again which means we have to give him time now to rest it and try and get it right," Highlander coach Tony Brown said.
Squire returned to Super Rugby with the Highlanders this year for the first time since 2019 after a brief stint playing in Japan.
The injury opens the door for the likes of Japanese international Kazuki Himeno and Tasman's Hugh Renton to step up to fill the role.