Hurricanes wing, Cory Jane's 2013 rugby season appears it may be over before it's even started.
Jane hurt his right knee at an open training session at Paraparaumu yesterday.
An MRI scan today has revealed a ruptured ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) that will require surgery. Jane will see an orthopaedic surgeon as soon as possible to determine the next course of action.
Until Jane has seen the surgeon, it's unknown how long the wing will be out of action, according to the Hurricanes medical team.
The 29 year-old Jane's used to fighting to come back from adversity. He just made the RWC squad after a lacklustre, injury-hit Super Rugby season in 2011. But he returned to finish the campaign and played well for the All Blacks in the pre RWC tests that followed and blossomed in the tournament.
"It is devastating for Cory to have suffered this serious injury when he was looking so strong for this season following such a successful 2012. We know that CJ is focussed and dedicated to his rehabilitation. So he will be committed to working hard in his recovery to come back better and stronger," coach Mark Hammett said.
"This is not the news we wanted to hear at the start of the season and we acknowledge the loss of a world-class player. However, we have a strong squad for 2013 and CJ's misfortune means it's an opportunity for another player to step up."
It's expected Jane will continue to play a strong leadership role and assist the Hurricanes management in this year's competition.
"Cory's energy, experience and public following means he still has a lot to give to the game and the team," Mark Hammett said.
http://www.allblacks.com/news/21453/Cory-Jane-likely-to-be-out-for-the-season
Devistating loss for the Hurricanes and All Blacks. Arguably the best right wing in the world. Hurricanes don't have any players really anywhere near his class to fill in the right wing. Alapati Leiua is better at centre in my opinion - and while I like him I think he lacks the speed to to a very good job on the wing. Richard Buckman has looked far out of his depth every time he has played for the Canes - which admittedly is not a lot, but he had a shocker last time. Matt Proctor is still extremely young, and I think to think a little over rated (and I say that as a Wellington fan). We're in trouble.
The implications for the All Blacks are also very interesting. I doubt Gear will play on the right wing with Savea on the left, which leaves me to think Kahui may be wanted to play there (love him in just about every other position but wing, in which he's just good). Also the possibility Ben Smith will be asked to play there. My choice would be (providing there aren't any bolters, which there could be for a new season of SR) - 11. Savea, 14. Dagg, 15. Taylor. Doubt we'd see it though.