Rugby: Jane could be out for the year

Cory Jane reminded the selectors of his value at the back. Photo / Getty Images

Hurricanes wing Cory Jane's 2013 rugby season may be over before it's even started.

Jane hurt his right knee at an open training session at Paraparaumu yesterday and an MRI scan today has revealed a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament that will require surgery.

Jane will see an orthopaedic surgeon as soon as possible to determine the next course of action.

Until Jane has seen the surgeon, it's unknown how long the wing will be out of action, according to the Hurricanes medical team but the standard recovery time for an ACL tear is about a year.

Jane tweeted to his fans this evening that he would make a return to the field when he is fit.

"Got some bad news 2day.I have ruptured my ACL & may need surgery. I've got Hard work ahead of me to get back on the field but I WILL BE BACK,'' he tweeted.

The 29 year-old Jane is used to fighting to come back from adversity. He just made the All Blacks squad for the 2011 World Cup after a lacklustre, injury-hit Super Rugby season in 2011.

But he returned to finish the campaign and played well for the All Blacks in the pre-World Cup tests that followed and blossomed in the tournament.

"It is devastating for Cory to have suffered this serious injury when he was looking so strong for this season following such a successful 2012. We know that CJ is focussed and dedicated to his rehabilitation. So he will be committed to working hard in his recovery to come back better and stronger,'' Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett said.

"This is not the news we wanted to hear at the start of the season and we acknowledge the loss of a world-class player. However, we have a strong squad for 2013 and CJ's misfortune means it's an opportunity for another player to step up.''

It's expected Jane will continue to play a strong leadership role and assist the Hurricanes management in this year's competition.

The Hurricanes have Alapati Leiua and Matt Proctor in their outside back stocks who could cover Jane.