Highlanders and All Blacks lock Fabian Holland has been ruled out of the Super Rugby Pacific season due to a dislocated shoulder.
An update from the Highlanders today confirmed Holland, 23, requires surgery after the injury which occurred during a pre-season game against Moana Pasifika in Queenstown recently.
Holland will have surgery next week and is also likely to be ruled out of the three Nations champions Tests in July but should be available for the All Blacks' tour of South Africa in August.
The loss of Holland, who was outstanding for the national team after making his Test debut last year, is a huge blow to the Highlanders, who have already lost highly-rated halfback Dylan Pledger to a season-ending knee injury. Holland was recognised as World Rugby's breakout player last year.
The Highlanders kick off the season by hosting the defending champion Crusaders in Dunedin on Friday night.
Holland's shoulder injury, plus that of Blues' and All Blacks' lock Patrick Tuipulotu, and current All Blacks skipper Scott Barrett's non-playing sabbatical, means only three locks in the All Blacks' frame will start the season – Chiefs duo Tupou Vaa'i and Josh Lord, and Blues second-rower Sam Darry.
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