Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean will miss the rest of the Super Rugby season to undergo scheduled heart surgery.
The 24-year-old needs another valve replacement as a result of rheumatic fever he suffered in 2008.
Crusaders team doctor Deb Robinson said his cardiac function had been slowly deteriorating over the last six months and his specialist had recommended further surgery.
“While Robbie is facing major surgery, he is otherwise fit and healthy which should stand him in good stead for his recovery.”
Robinson said Fruean was likely to be in hospital for four or five days following surgery and it was expected he would start gentle exercise within six weeks of surgery.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said the team would miss Fruean’s presence both on and off the field.
“I have no doubt that if the surgery goes well, Robbie will be back next year and will be a force to be reckoned with,” he said.
“I know it’s been frustrating for him over the last few months that his body has not been able to perform to a level he would like it to.”
Fruean’s rugby career was temporarily on hold in 2009 when his pancarditis was first identified following rheumatic fever and he underwent open-heart surgery.
It didn’t hold him back for long, and in his debut season with Canterbury in 2010 he was the joint leading try scorer, and was also named ITM Cup player of the year in 2010 and 2012.
Fruean was selected for the Crusaders in 2010 and with 61 caps under his belt has racked up an impressive 80 points.