Highlanders suffer massive scrumhalf blow
INJURY UPDATE: The Highlanders suffered a massive mid-season blow with the news that their star scrumhalf is injured.
Scrumhalf Folau Fakatava is out for the rest of the year – after sustaining a knee injury in the big win over the Crusaders last Friday.
Following imaging tests Tuesday, it was confirmed he has a full tear of the ACL in his right knee.
The injury will require surgery and a rehabilitation period of nine to 12 months before he returns to play.
“This is very tough on Folau; he’s been playing outstanding rugby for us this season and he must have been in consideration for the All Blacks with his performances in Sky Super Rugby Aotearoa and the Mitre 10 Cup.”
“We are fortunate that we have an excellent replacement in Kayne Hammington, who has been training hard for an opportunity,” Highlanders coach Tony Brown said.
“He [Hammington] is very experienced and knows our game well.”
Otago scrumhalf James Arscott has been bought in as a replacement for Fakatava.
The injury list has grown over the last few weeks for the Highlanders – with the promising Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Freedom Vahaakolo both ruled out for the season.
They have been replaced permanently in the squad by Otago midfielder Josh Timu and Southland utility back Josh Moorby.
All the best, Folau! Looking forward to a huge 2022 season💙
More info ➡️ https://t.co/wnT41yJvwQ pic.twitter.com/n3vVCCcXXt
— Speight’s Highlanders (@Highlanders) April 7, 2021
