Jordie Barrett's remarkable rookie rugby campaign is likely over after being pencilled in for surgery on an injured shoulder he sustained in the Hurricanes' Super Rugby semi-final loss.
The utility back was a standout for the Canes in 2017, earning an All Blacks call-up and a starting berth in the third British and Irish Lions Test.
However the 20-year-old came off injured in the latter stages of the Hurricanes' semi-final loss to the Lions in Johannesburg last month, with tests performed last week in Christchurch confirming the worst.
He has likely torn the ligament right off the bone and will miss the All Blacks' upcoming Bledisloe Cup and Rugby Championship tilt.
Assistant coach Ian Foster said that while it was a pity to lose Barrett, the young gun had already enjoyed an extraordinary maiden campaign.
The uncapped David Havili will join the squad as cover.
"He's already had a big year and he's too young an athlete to play through anything like this," Foster told reporters.
"It's a chance to give him time to get that right and have a big pre-season, jump back into it next year. It's pretty frustrating for him, he's had a pretty amazing six months, but it is what it is."
While Ben Smith will almost certainly start the All Blacks' two upcoming Bledisloe Cup Tests, Barrett's injury may cause All Blacks selectors a few headaches after the vice-captain starts his rugby sabbatical.
Havili - capable of playing anywhere across the backline - will compete with the likes of Damian McKenzie, Israel Dagg and Nehe Milner-Skudder for the black No.15 jumper in subsequent 2017 Tests.
However, Foster confirmed that both Dagg and Milner-Skudder were primarily seen as wingers by the All Blacks top brass.
He talked up Havili, saying the Crusaders ace had enjoyed a strong Super Rugby campaign and had a Test-level kicking and running game.
"He's played in a number of positions so he brings that to the table, but he's looked very settled at fullback - it's nice to reward a player who's played his way in through good form," Foster said.
"He brings a nice all-round skillset that we've been interested in him for a while, without being able to find a place."
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