Super Rugby Pacific: All Blacks and Crusaders fullback Will Jordan out for season

Will Jordan of the Crusaders. Photo / Photosport

All Blacks and Crusaders fullback Will Jordan has been ruled out of the entire Super Rugby Pacific season due to a shoulder injury.

Jordan will have surgery, which will see him spend at least six months on the sidelines - also ruling him out of the All Blacks tests against England and Fiji in July.

“After assessment from the Crusaders medical team, he will undergo surgery and as a result be unavailable for selection during the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season,” the Crusaders said in a statement.

“He is expected to be fit to return to play in approximately six months.”

The 25-year-old missed the start of last season due to an inner ear issue, returning for the Crusaders’ run to an 11th Super Rugby title.

It’s a major blow for the franchise, which lost the likes of Richie Mo’unga, Sam Whitelock and Leicester Fainga’anuku in the off-season, while new signing Leigh Halfpenny will likely miss the season.

The defending champions open the season against the Chiefs on Friday night in Hamilton.