Chiefs inside back Tasesa Lavea has been ruled out of the entire Super 14 season with a torn foot ligament.
Ligament damage ends campaign for Chiefs star
Chiefs have been struck an injury blow by news that inside back Tasesa Lavea will not feature in any of the upcoming Super 14 season after tearing a foot ligament.
Lavea sustained the injury during the Chiefs' 36-24 pre-season victory over the Highlanders in Invercargill last Saturday.
The 28-year-old will have surgery on the ligament in his left foot in Hamilton next Tuesday after the injury has left him in an unstable condition.
Even if the surgery is successful, Lavea still faces a long lay-off as the operation will leave his foot immobilised for approximately six weeks, and unable to take full weight for three months.
The 2008 campaign was to be Lavea's second season for the Chiefs, having played a total of seven Super 14 matches last term.
A decision will be made early next week in regard to a replacement player for Lavea.
