T-Pole ruled out for six months

Southland's hopes suffered a blow yesterday when loose forward Hale T-Pole was ruled out of rugby for up to six months.

T-Pole requires surgery after dislocating his shoulder during his team's 38-37 loss to Auckland on Sunday.

Southland forwards coach David Henderson said it was disappointing to be denied T-Pole's services, but he believed the province had the players to cover his absence.

"It is a blow, but we've got Daniel Quate there and I'm sure he will step up," Henderson said.

Southland's next match is against Otago in Invercargill on Saturday.

Doubt still surrounds the availability of lock Kane Thompson, who is in Southland on loan from the Wellington union.

Thompson is out with a sternum injury.

Meanwhile, Waikato B representative Chris Tipene will appear before an NZRU judicial committee tomorrow.

Tipene was sent off during his team's division one B match against Northland in Whangarei on Saturday.

He was given a yellow card by referee Dave Warren for an alleged professional foul in the 77th minute, but was then sent off for allegedly disputing the referee's decision.

Under NPC regulations, players ordered from the field automatically face a judicial hearing.