Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu is set for a lengthy stint on the sidelines.
After suffering a fractured jaw in the first half of the side’s pre-season win over Tokyo Sungoliath at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on Saturday, the 43-test All Blacks lock will return to New Zealand early where he is expected to require surgery.
The Blues are preparing to be without the services of their newly appointed captain for eight to 10 weeks. That timeframe would likely see him return in April, around nine rounds into the new Super Rugby Pacific season.
“This is a tough blow for Patrick, especially early on in the season,” Blues coach Vern Cotter said.
“We accept injuries are part of our game and we’re wishing Patty a speedy recovery knowing he’ll still offer plenty to the group from a leadership perspective over the next few weeks.