Nick Evans out for 14 weeks

The Highlanders' worst fears were realised today, with key playmaker Nick Evans ruled out of rugby for 14 weeks.

Evans broke his collarbone in the Super 14 match against the Bulls in Pretoria last weekend and the Highlanders were hopeful the first five-eighth would return before the end of the competition.

"It's very disappointing, but I guess that's part and parcel of being involved in the game," All Black Evans said today after further examinations revealed the full extent of his injury.

"I'm sorry that I won't be able to help the Highlanders on the field but they'll still have my support and input off it."

Highlanders coach Greg Cooper said Evans would be missed.

"He's a player and a man of rare quality and he'll certainly be missed," he said.

Rookie Callum Bruce has been named to make his Super 14 run-on debut at first five-eighth against the Sharks in Dunedin on Saturday night.

Cooper said a permanent replacement for Evans was still to be determined.

- NZPA