Blues lock Kurtis Haiu is taking an indefinite break from the game after being diagnosed with a bone tumour in his ribs.
Auckland lock to visit specialist following diagnosis
Blues lock Kurtis Haiu is taking an indefinite break from the game after being diagnosed with a bone tumour in his ribs.
The 26-year-old had been complaining of pain for several months but put it down to the nature of his profession.
However, blood tests and a CT scan have revealed the extent of the problem, and the player will visit a bone tumour specialist next week.
"If I knew what type of tumour and cancer it was I would be able to get a much better idea of the prognosis," team doctor Stephen Kara said.
"The problem is we don't know that until the specialist gets in there.
"It is treatable. The first instance will be removing cancer and part of the rib and then any additional therapy is dictated by what the results of the tests show."
Blues coach Pat Lam said in the statement: "This has come as a huge shock to Kurtis, to all of us, but the extent of what he is looking at will not be known until further tests take place.
"So for now, Kurtis is in our prayers and we will rally around him and his family to provide friendship and support at this difficult time."
