Chiefs halfback Brad Weber will be out of action for at least six months after fracturing his femur in the final of the Brisbane Tens yesterday.
Weber has been on the fringes of the All Blacks for several seasons now, playing one test against Samoa, but he is now highly likely to be out of contention for the Lions tour and the entire Super Rugby season.
The livewire halfback went down awkwardly in a tackle, with Crusaders players immediately calling for the medical staff as Weber clutched at his leg.
Weber was stretchered from the field, later re-emerging in a wheelchair with his leg heavily covered by ice and strapping. The injury will require surgery.
With Augustine Pulu having moved north to join the Blues, the Chiefs now will rely heavily on Tawera Kerr-Barlow at halfback, with Tasman youngster Finlay Christie as his back-up.