Rugby: Dagg facing six weeks off

Israel Dagg. Photo / Getty Images

The Crusaders could be without fullback Israel Dagg for up to six weeks after he tore a quadricep muscle in the win over the Stormers in Cape Town.

Dagg's one of four players who are returning home from their Super Rugby tour, with wings Sean Maitland, Adam Whitelock and halfback Kahn Fotuali'i on the plane home.

They've been replaced by Brent Ward, Tom Taylor, Ryan Crotty and Steve Alfeld.

The Highlanders have also been hit hard with three major injury concerns.

Wing James Patterson's out for the season, while Adam Thomson and Siale Piutau are both likely to be out of this week's match with the Hurricanes.

- NEWSTALK ZB