Super Rugby Pacific: Chiefs veteran Brodie Retallick sidelined with a broken thumb

Dylan Coetzee

Chiefs veteran Brodie Retallick will be unavailable for several weeks with a broken thumb suffered in their clash with the Crusaders last weekend.

After just 30 minutes in his side’s loss to the Crusaders, the second-row was forced off the field.

All Black lock Retallick revealed the news on his Instagram account.

“Broken thumb from the weekend, pretty frustrating but will be back soon,” he posted.

Big blow for the Chiefs

Retallick has been confirmed to be out of action for six to eight weeks as the Chiefs medical team gave further information on his injury.

The Chiefs will feel the 30-year-old’s absence as Retallick is a crucial figure in the dressing room and on the field, particularly since he returned from a stint in club rugby in Japan.

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillian will now have to throw his faith in younger players in the second-row but does have good depth with All Blacks Josh Lord and Tupou Vaa’i primary options in Retallick’s absence.

READ MORE: Brumbies full-back Tom Banks escapes suspension for a high tackle