Kurt Baker out for 3 months

[nickdnz]

New Highlanders Investec Super Rugby signing Kurt Baker has been ruled out of all rugby for three months with a a stress fracture in his back.

Baker will be replaced in the Highlanders squad of 32 by Kade Poki, who is in the Highlanders' wider training squad.

Baker's injury requires rest and rehabilitation, with a medical assessment to be completed in May to determine his playing fitness.

If he clears the medical assessment in May, he can only be bought back into the Highlanders squad as a replacement for another injured player.

Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said it was sad for Baker, who had an outstanding season in 2010.

"Kurt signing was a long-term strategy for the Highlanders as he has signed for two years, and he will rehab with his teammates until he gets back to full fitness."

Things just aren't looking up that much for the Highlanders.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

pretty gutted, we didn't that many "names" in the squad to start with and now we've lost baker, slade and donnelly.....trying to keep the faith in the franchise reboot but seems to get harder by the day

 

[Amobokoboko]

Sad to hear, I thought Poki was already in the squad.

What happened with Donnely? Is he injured as well.

 

[Darwin]

Things just aren't looking up that much for the Highlanders.

Surprised that he is only out for three months - early indications were that he may require surgery, and as such would be out for the whole year. I'm sure he won't be rushed back, but it would be great to see him play a couple of games with the Highlanders near the end of the season (only if he is back to full fitness).

By all accounts Poki has been a standout in the preseason games for the Highlanders, so looks set to start on the wing when the season starts (despite the fact he wasn't in the original 32-man squad...)

Sad to hear, I thought Poki was already in the squad.

What happened with Donnely? Is he injured as well.

Donnelly had a partial dislocation of his shoulder, and is set to be out for six weeks. We will probably see the Southland locking combination starting for the Highlanders for the first few weeks, though Jamie Joseph does rate Jared Hoeata as a lock...

 

[Amobokoboko]

Yeah, Poki did show some great stuff.

 

[Larksea]

yeah highlanders can't get a break can they,

Baker is a real tallent, was looking forward to seeing his first real shot at super rugby. Squad looks so much better than last year but injuries just suck arse.

 

[Amobokoboko]

Sad to hear tom is injured, but the Southland second row is also quiet solid.
Highlanders should preform good this year.
Quality in the team.