Double injury blow hits pace-setting Crusaders

The Crusaders have been dealt a double setback after David Havili and Ethan Blackadder were ruled out for the rest of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Vice-captain and full-back Havili suffered a fracture thumb in their match against the Blues, with it unclear whether he requires surgery.

The versatile All Black, who only recently returned after undergoing emergency bowel surgery at the start of March, will be sorely missed.

Flanker Blackadder had surgery on an injured knee on Monday, with the duo joining Scott Barrett and Cullen Grace on the treatment table.

The high-flying Crusaders currently lead the Aotearoa table and return to action this weekend with a home fixture against the Hurricanes.