Blackadder ruled out for the rest of the year

The Crusaders medical team has provided the following update on Ethan Blackadder's shoulder injury, sustained during the Quarter Final against the Reds last Friday night:

After further imaging and consultation with a Shoulder Specialist, it has been determined that Ethan Blackadder requires surgery after dislocating his shoulder against the Reds.

He will be unavailable for the rest of 2022 and will return to rugby at the start of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson said: "We really feel for Ethan, who has been in incredible form and is such a hardworking and well-respected member of this team.

"Our medical team will do what they do best and ensure he has everything he needs to be right for the 2023 season. In the meantime, he'll find other ways to contribute to our group, as Ethan always does."