Hurricanes scrumhalf Chris Smylie's Super Rugby season has ended before it even began this year.
The former Blues ace picked up a shoulder injury in the pre-season match against the Chiefs and has now revealed he will need to undergo surgery.
Smylie will go under the knife on Wednesday and be ruled out of all rugby for six months.
Frae Wilson comes into the Hurricanes squad in Smylie's place, having been part of the wider training group.
19-year-old prop Reg Goodes injured his shoulder in a separate incident in the same match, and has also seen a surgeon for a specialist opinion.
Goodes will undergo a 6-week rehabilitation programme with the aim of him returning to the squad in mid-April.
The Hurricanes must pick themselves up from their 39-26 defeat to the Stormers, as they tackle the Lions in Johannesburg on Friday.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
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Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
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The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
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The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
