Crusaders duo's season halted
INJURY UPDATE: Two Crusaders players have been ruled out of the remainder of the Super Rugby competition through injuries.
Wing Jone Macilai and flank Billy Harmon will not help the Crusaders defend the Super Rugby crown after both sustained season-ending injuries during the Crusaders’ match against the French Barbarians on Friday, June 15.
Macilai sustained a fractured tibial plateau playing against the French Barbarians which required a surgical procedure. Macilai’s likely return to play time-frame has yet to be confirmed, although the rehabilitation period will be similar to other major knee surgeries and he has been ruled out of the remainder of the Super Rugby season.
Harmon sustained a high-grade medial ligament and PCL injury playing against the French Barbarians. This required an operation and he will be unavailable for the rest of the Super Rugby competition. He is expected to return to rugby during the National Provincial Cup competition.
Crusaders Head Coach Scott Robertson wished both players well on their road to recovery: “We accept that injuries are part and parcel of the game, but it is never easy to see players who contribute so much to the team have their season cut short.
“Jone was just returning from a lengthy injury, and Billy is in his debut season with the Crusaders, so we feel for both of those guys, but they are certainly in great hands with our world-class medical team and we wish them both a speedy recovery,” Robertson said.
