All Blacks: Toeava out of end-of-year tour

All Black utility Isaia Toeava has a stress fracture in his pelvis. Photo / Sarah Ivey

All Blacks utility back Isaia Toeava has been ruled out of the end-of-year tour after being diagnosed with another stress fracture.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said a scan yesterday had revealed Toeava had a stress fracture in his pelvis at the back of his right hip joint.

The injury is a blow for the 23-year-old who recovered from a stress fracture in his foot earlier in the All Blacks season to play in the All Blacks' final two Tri-Nations tests against South Africa and Australia.

"Aside from his foot injury, Isaia had been suffering from intermittent gluteal muscle pain since the Rebel Sport Super 14 but had been able to play," Dr Robinson said.

"However, confirmation of the stress fracture means that he now needs up to three months rest from rugby," she added.

Dr Robinson said Toeava will rest from any weight-bearing exercises for at least two months. Once his stress fracture has healed he will move onto a graduated running programme before returning to rugby training.

- NZ HERALD STAFF