Crusaders issue update on David Havili injury following emergency surgery

The Crusaders have issued an update on David Havili's injury situation after the utility back underwent emergency surgery on his abdominal on Friday.

The 25-year-old was absent from his side's 24-20 victory over the Reds in Christchurch three days ago as the Crusaders announced on Sunday that he went under the knife after "experiencing some discomfort".

In another brief statement released on Monday, the Crusaders said that Havili had a "serious infection of his bowel" which caused the urgent surgery, and that the utility back "is recovering well but will not be available for several weeks".

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"As this is a non rugby-related issue, the Crusaders won’t be commenting further, and a return to play timeframe will be advised at a later date," the statement concluded.

The injury blow is a significant one for both Havili and the Crusaders.

Havili has been one of the form players in Super Rugby so far this season, having impressed for the back-to-back-to-back reigning champions mainly from fullback, but also at first-five.

Statistically speaking, he has made the most offloads (14) in the competition to date, while also accumulating an impressive 258 running metres, six clean breaks and beaten 14 defenders in just four matches.