Rugby: Newby to miss start of Super 14

The Highlanders have been dealt a blow prior to the start of the Super 14 season.

Captain Craig Newby has been ruled out for the next six weeks, as he is set to undergo an operation on his foot.

Newby suffered an injury during last year's Air New Zealand Cup campaign with Otago, from which has not recovered.

Highlanders coach Glen Moore says unfortunately the unusual nature of the injury meant it was very hard to diagnose exactly what the problem was. He says the surgeons are going to remove a piece of bone from Newby's foot that has been causing most of the discomfort and pain.

Moore is hoping to have Newby available for the first home match of this year's Super 14 against the Waratahs on March 1.

The Highlanders open the season against the Reds in Brisbane on February 15.

- NEWSTALK ZB