The Crusaders have suffered a double blow ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby final against the Jaguares, with Ryan Crotty and Scott Barrett both suffering injuries.
Veteran centre Crotty suffered a broken thumb in an intense semifinal against Hurricanes, while fellow All Black Barrett broke his index finger.
The injury brings to an end All Blacks midfielder Crotty’s 11-year career with the Crusaders as he will head to Japan next season to play with Kubota Spears in the Top League.
Unfortunately Ryan and Scott have both been ruled out of the Final due to hand injuries. Read more about their injuries and timeframes at https://t.co/Yd8xaF8BgC. All the best for your recovery guys 👊🏽 #crusadeon
— BNZ Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) July 1, 2019
The Crusaders are chasing their third straight Super Rugby crown, and 10th overall, while the Jaguares are contesting their first title decider.
Crotty and Barrett will both hope to be fit for the All Blacks Test against Tonga in Hamilton on September 7, the team’s final warm-up before the World Cup in Japan.