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Will Jordan ruled of 2024 Super Rugby Pacific
By Ned Lester
All Blacks outside back Will Jordan will miss the entirety of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, the team announced on Tuesday morning.
The team revealed it was a pre-existing shoulder injury that would require surgery, and as a result see the prolific try-scorer sidelined for six months.
With the season's start just days away, the Crusaders lose an MVP candidate and a second international fullback, after the chest injury Leigh Halfpenny sustained just minutes into his Crusaders career against Munster.
Reports last week suggested the Crusaders' medical team were weighing up the options for their star fullback, with an update expected before the season's start. Tuesday's confirmation will have a significant influence over the team's campaign.
Jordan did miss a large piece of the 2023 season with an inner ear issue causing migraines, with first five-eighth Fergus Burke assuming a backfield role in the All Black's absence.
This year however, Burke was slated to inherit the keys to the Crusaders' attack after the departure of Richie Mo'unga. Even that would have to wait until at least round seven though, when Burke is set to return from an injury of his own.
Chay Fihaki remains as the team's most experienced fullback - outside of David Havili, who is unlikely to be removed from the midfield - while there's also potential for Tasman flyer Macca Springer to be thrown in the 15 jersey while Jordan is out.
New Crusaders coach Rob Penney has previously expressed his keenness to play players in their natural positions, having ruled out any potential of Havili or Halfpenny covering first five-eighth while Burke is sidelined.
Jordan's timeline now sees him potentially returning to full health in August, after the All Blacks' two-Test series against England and their American Test against Fiji.
The Rugby Championship kicks off on August 10, with New Zealand opening their campaign against Argentina in Wellington.
Unfortunately for Crusaders fans, Jordan isn't the only All Black reportedly set to miss time in the coming season, either. The injury-plagued Ethan Blackadder is unlikely to feature in at least the opening game of the season against the Chiefs on Friday, with the loose forward suffering another calf injury.
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