Blues centre Rene Ranger’s season is over after he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday’s win over the Sharks.
The left knee injury happened in the 32nd minute of the come-from-behind 23-18 victory, just their third win in seven matches.
A Blues spokesman confirmed the ACL injury was season-ending.
It was not yet clear when Ranger would return to the field.
There has been speculation 29-year-old Ranger, who played the last of his six Tests for the All Blacks in 2013, could play his way back to international rugby this year.
He had gone to play for Montpellier but cut his three-year deal short after two seasons.
He then suffered a herniated disc in his neck which needed surgery last year.
Boz the Younger
Guest
Poor Guy, as a Wallabies fan I was both looking forward to the prospect of seeing him back in black and terrified of it at the same time.
Ngati Tumutumu
Guest
Wishing Rene a speedy recovery felt like he was just finding his feet again. Big loss for our mighty Blues..
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Haha! luv ya ... Chook!
Riccardo
Guest
That's the way I see it Moa. Moala made an impact the moment he came on in the weekend. Like Ngatai he is a real talent...
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yeap Muzzo and to be honest I was 'getting excited' watching him slowly getting back to that form... at his best, he was good, very good. This is pretty tough on him, he is 29 years of age now and was looking as if he was enjoying his rugby...
Machooka
Roar Guru
Tragic... as a Aussie I loved watching him play before he took off o/s. I've been eagerly watching him since his return to the Blues, all the while wishing he would get his old form back just so I could say...'Danger, danger watch out for Ranger!' :)
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Yeah, them the breaks though mate... I thought he was on his way back... he wasn't there yet but now another lengthy stint on the sidelines... I really enjoyed watching him play before he went to France... If I was to be honest with the talent available his best opportunity to be in Black again would be to cover Wing and Centre ... He stated in Rugby World he wanted to try win his jersey back .. good on him for that desire but tough against the others around ...
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yeah terrible, just as he was stamping his game on the comp. same Ol Blues, even when we win...we lose...?
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't
moaman
Roar Guru
I think Moala is an excellent prospect; Ranger's injury might open the door for him,bigtime.I would like to have seen him already entrenched in the Blues midfield,personally.
Squirrel
Guest
Off to France
BluesMan
Guest
Would love to see Rieko Ioane put in the midfield before he leaves for Sevens.
Timbo
Guest
not to mention his solid defence.
R2D2
Guest
Didn't realize it was that bad when he came off .Hope he gets a full recovery...nasty.
Machooka
Roar Guru
You back already Muzzo?
Machooka
Roar Guru
Yeah Tragic... as soon as I saw I knew he wasn't good. It's a real loss for your team.
maximillian
Guest
Hopefully Moala can step up in his absence. I really thought he'd be pushing for a spot in the AB midfield with Nonu/Smith gone, but hes probably further down the pecking order at this stage.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
The openings now there following the retirement of Smith & Nonu. That Ranger had played well for the AB's in the past. The direct way he plays which is what Hansen wants in his midfield, His ability to cover 12/13 & wing from the bench. His talent in breaking tackles. Just those kinds of things that normally lead to speculation that a good player may be able to get back in to his national team.
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Shattered for Rene. He was starting to get back into form after a long lay off. Heal up well big fella.
Muzzo
Guest
This is not a good thing for the Blues franchise, as Rene is a real excitement machine , ho appeared to be on his way back to his best form. All the best Rene, & a speedy recovery.