Spectacular Highlanders younger gun Finn Hurely will play no additional half within the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season on account of a quad damage.
The group revealed the information late Thursday, including that the 21-year-old won’t require surgical procedure however is ready for a 10-12 week stint on the sidelines.
Hurley has been one of many breakout stars of the 2025 marketing campaign for Jamie Joseph’s aspect, offering eye-catching X issue to attain twice in a round-two victory over the Blues.
Nevertheless, the fullback has managed simply 173 minutes of motion, with damage troubles holding him out of a extra constant fullback function.
The damage comes as a painful blow to a younger, growing Highlanders group. Assistant coach and former All Blacks fullback Ben Smith had delivered a easy “extra of the identical” message to Hurley after being requested what he needed to see from the burgeoning younger star.
“I feel Finn’s at his greatest with the flexibility he has to pop up in all places,” the previous famous person instructed media after the spherical two win over the Blues.
“Clearly, he’s bought a reasonably outstanding skillset, and it’s simply with the ability to showcase that on the proper time and with the ability to use that skillset to create alternative like he did on the weekend.”
Jamie Jospeh had an identical sentiment and dedicated to permitting Hurley to develop by enjoying with freedom on the sphere.
“He’s like all rugby gamers, he will get forward of himself generally. However I’ll let him go, I reckon. Let him go, let him be himself, give him confidence and coach him to grasp steadiness.”
Utility back Sam Gilbert will line up at 15 in Hurley’s absence, with the Highlanders going through the Western Force in Perth on Saturday night.
There may be excellent news on the damage entrance for the southerners, although, with star fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens nearing a return from the neck damage that has stored him sidelined for the season up to now.
The breakout 2024 star is one in all 4 injured Highlanders, all aware of the matchday 23, who’re reported as having one to 2 weeks remaining on their respective recoveries.
Present Highlanders damage standing:
Oliver Haig (Foot / 1-2 weeks )
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (Neck / 1-2 weeks)
Nikora Broughton (Rib Damage/ 1-2 weeks)
Hugh Renton (Groin /1-2 weeks)
Finn Hurley (Quad/season)
