Kieran Read ruled out until April

All Black captain Kieran Read has undergone surgery on his wrist and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He is expected to join the Crusaders' Super Rugby campaign in April.

The incoming Crusaders coach Scott Robertson revealed the timeline for Read's recovery on Monday before Sam Whitelock was officially unveiled as the franchise's captain for 2017.

Read wore a brace on his right hand during the end of year tour to the Northern Hemisphere - he had an operation last week and is now working through the rehabilitation process.

Robertson hoped Read would be available for selection in early April, the loose forward will miss at least five rounds of Super Rugby.

A return in April would give him a maximum of seven games before the British and Irish Lions tour gets underway - the Crusaders also play Warren Gatland's Lions team on the 10th June 2017, two weeks before the opening match of the three-test series in Auckland.