The Highlanders have confirmed winger Caleb Tangitau suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Friday night’s 42-12 loss to the Chiefs.
In a post on social media, the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific franchise said the All Blacks selection contender suffered “a full rupture of his left Achilles requiring surgery”.
He is expected to undergo a six-to-nine month rehabilitation programme before returning to play.
Tangitau suffered the injury right at the end of his side’s defeat in Hamilton.
He went down in visible pain late in the match, and coach Jamie Joseph indicated the nature of the injury to media afterwards.
Joseph says it is really disappointing for a young winger who has been playing great rugby and scoring impressive tries.
Tangitau had been regarded as a strong contender to earn his first All Blacks call-up as an option on the right wing after scoring seven tries this season.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders will take on the Hurricanes at 7.05pm Saturday.
In other matches, the Crusaders will meet the Chiefs at 7.05pm Friday, the Waratahs will face the Brumbies at 9.35pm, Moana Pasifika will play the Reds at 4.35pm Saturday and the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will take on the Force at 9.35pm.
Source: Stuff.co.nz
