Canterbury centre Casey Laulala's Air New Zealand Cup preparations have suffered a major setback after he broke his arm in a club match last Saturday.
Canterbury coach Rob Penney has confirmed that Laulala has sustained a fracture and is set to undergo surgery on Monday. It is however to early to say when the former All Blacks centre will be ready to return to the playing field.
Canterbury kick-off their Air NeaZealand Cup campaign against Manawatu in Christchurch on August 2.
Penney is due to name his Cup squad this week. Prop Campbell Johnston has recovered from a hand injury that prematurely ended his Super 14 season with the Crusaders and is expected to be named.