All Black captain to have back surgery
It was confirmed on Friday that Reid is to have surgery to correct a back injury.
The stuff.co.nz website reported that the All Black skipper is unlikely to be back playing until mid-April.
The surgery will be on a prolapsed lumbar disc in his back, an injury he got at the end of the All Blacks' season.
"He has been reviewed by both the All Blacks and Crusaders medical teams, as well as a back specialist, who will continue to monitor his recovery. Expected recovery time for such injuries is approximately four months," the Crusaders said in a statement.
As a result Read will miss the Crusaders' first seven Super Rugby games for 2018 – possibly returning for their match against the Sunwolves in Christchurch on April 21.
Read, who was forced to withdraw from the All Blacks' final game of the season against Wales in Cardiff on November 26, because of the injury, posted on social media a picture of himself sitting in front of a TV set watching a game of cricket.
"So lucky there's a big summer of cricket coming up as I will be spending plenty of time here over the next few weeks," Read stated.
"Head in for surgery on a disc in my back on Saturday, which I injured at the end of the season. Hopefully I don't miss too much of the @superrugby season. I'll get through it thanks to ACC."
Sam Whitelock captained the All Blacks against Wales, leading the side to a 33-18 victory to ensure they swept through their five-match northern tour unbeaten.
When Read was scratched from the All Blacks side for the tour finale, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen revealed the No 8 has been forced to remain prone in his hotel room.
Source: Stuff
