Fainga'anuku out of rugby with leg fracture
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Crusaders backline/loose forward star Leicester Fainga'anuku will miss the opening All Blacks tests of 2026 after suffering a fracture to his lower leg.
Fainga'anuku, 26 suffered the injury in the semifinal loss to the Chiefs and is expected to rule him out until late-August at the earliest.
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It means he will miss potential selection for All Blacks coach Dave Rennie's initial squad of 34 for the Nations Championship tests in July against France, Italy and Ireland.
He could also be in doubt for the All Blacks tour of South Africa that starts in early August.
"Leicester Fainga'anuku sustained a fibula fracture and high ankle sprain in the Crusaders' semi-final against the Chiefs on Friday, June 12," said a Crusaders statement.
"He doesn't require surgery for this injury and his anticipated return to play will be 10-12 weeks."
Fainga'anuku impressed with his ability to bust tackles and offload key passes.He has played 12 tests for the All Blacks.