Shoulder injury could keep Ryan on sidelines for months

James Ryan has played his last game for the Highlanders this season and his immediate future with the All Blacks is also in doubt.

Ryan was a late scratching from the Highlanders' game against the Force on Saturday and it has emerged he has a significant shoulder injury.

He is considering his options in conjunction with the All Blacks management and medical team, but the indications are he will not be able to play in the winter tests.

More news is expected today or tomorrow.

Ryan, looking understandably sober, said the injury, initially thought to be minor, had developed to the point where he had to decide whether it was worth playing through it.

"It's an unstable shoulder, basically. I don't remember one particular incident that caused it. It looks like it's just been gradual ... it's been giving me some pain in recent weeks.

"Surgery is an option. I've got a couple of days to sort out what I'm going to do."

Ryan's departure confirms this has been the season from hell, in terms of injuries, for the Highlanders.

They lost Matt Saunders and Paul Williams on the cusp of the season and were rocked when Nick Evans and Andrew Blowers had to withdraw.

That has been playing on the mind of Ryan as he considers whether to try to play through the pain or safeguard his future.

"It doesn't make my decision any easier but I have to look at what I need to do and not let other things cloud my judgment," he said.

"Because of my shoulder, my performances haven't been up to the level I've wanted. I've been falling off tackles and things like that.

"I've been really lucky with injuries. But I've played a lot of games the last couple of years so maybe this is a sign of my position and how tough it can be to play week-in, week-out."

Ryan didn't want to speculate how long he might be out of rugby. He said he would work hard to stay fit and bulk up in the gym and finish some papers at university.

But he will also have time to dream of a certain tournament in France next year. Ryan played seven tests last year and became a regular member of the All Black squad.

"The World Cup is certainly in the back of my mind. It's so close and I can't afford to be putting in sub-par performances.

"There are so many quality players in New Zealand. You can't take your place for granted."

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES