Havili undergoes surgery

INJURY UPDATE: The Crusaders could be without star fullback David Havili for some time.

The Crusaders medical team has confirmed that Havili underwent abdominal surgery on Friday, and is recovering well in hospital.

His return to play timeframe is unclear at this stage.

The utility back who has spent most of the season at fullback has been one of Super Rugby’s best performers this year, reigniting calls for Havili to be recognised for higher honours.

Havili made his All Blacks debut in the 2017 Rugby Championship, coming off the bench against Argentina. He went on to make four further appearances for New Zealand in 2017 but wasn’t required for international duty in 2018 or 2019.