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Will Jordan ruled of 2024 Super Rugby Pacific

By Ned Lester
Will Jordan of New Zealand reacts during the Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France on October 28, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

All Blacks outside back Will Jordan will miss the entirety of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, the team announced on Tuesday morning.

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The team revealed it was a pre-existing shoulder injury that would require surgery, and as a result see the prolific try-scorer sidelined for six months.

With the season’s start just days away, the Crusaders lose an MVP candidate and a second international fullback, after the chest injury Leigh Halfpenny sustained just minutes into his Crusaders career against Munster.

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Reports last week suggested the Crusaders’ medical team were weighing up the options for their star fullback, with an update expected before the season’s start. Tuesday’s confirmation will have a significant influence over the team’s campaign.

Jordan did miss a large piece of the 2023 season with an inner ear issue causing migraines, with first five-eighth Fergus Burke assuming a backfield role in the All Black’s absence.

This year however, Burke was slated to inherit the keys to the Crusaders’ attack after the departure of Richie Mo’unga. Even that would have to wait until at least round seven though, when Burke is set to return from an injury of his own.

Chay Fihaki remains as the team’s most experienced fullback – outside of David Havili, who is unlikely to be removed from the midfield – while there’s also potential for Tasman flyer Macca Springer to be thrown in the 15 jersey while Jordan is out.

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New Crusaders coach Rob Penney has previously expressed his keenness to play players in their natural positions, having ruled out any potential of Havili or Halfpenny covering first five-eighth while Burke is sidelined.

Jordan’s timeline now sees him potentially returning to full health in August, after the All Blacks’ two-Test series against England and their American Test against Fiji.

The Rugby Championship kicks off on August 10, with New Zealand opening their campaign against Argentina in Wellington.

Unfortunately for Crusaders fans, Jordan isn’t the only All Black reportedly set to miss time in the coming season, either. The injury-plagued Ethan Blackadder is unlikely to feature in at least the opening game of the season against the Chiefs on Friday, with the loose forward suffering another calf injury.

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Jon 5 hours ago
The case for keeping the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific

I have heard it asked if RA is essentially one of the part owners and I suppose therefor should be on the other side of these two parties. If they purchased the rebels and guaranteed them, and are responsible enough they incur Rebels penalties, where is this line drawn? Seems rough to have to pay a penalty for something were your involvement sees you on the side of the conned party, the creditors. If the Rebels directors themselves have given the club their money, 6mil worth right, why aren’t they also listed as sitting with RA and the Tax office? And the legal threat was either way, new Rebels or defunct, I can’t see how RA assume the threat was less likely enough to warrant comment about it in this article. Surely RA ignore that and only worry about whether they can defend it or not, which they have reported as being comfortable with. So in effect wouldn’t it be more accurate to say there is no further legal threat (or worry) in denying the deal. Unless the directors have reneged on that. > Returns of a Japanese team or even Argentinean side, the Jaguares, were said to be on the cards, as were the ideas of standing up brand new teams in Hawaii or even Los Angeles – crazy ideas that seemingly forgot the time zone issues often cited as a turn-off for viewers when the competition contained teams from South Africa. Those timezones are great for SR and are what will probably be needed to unlock its future (cant see it remaining without _atleast _help from Aus), day games here are night games on the West Coast of america, were potential viewers triple, win win. With one of the best and easiest ways to unlock that being to play games or a host a team there. Less good the further across Aus you get though. Jaguares wouldn’t be the same Jaguares, but I still would think it’s better having them than keeping the Rebels. The other options aren’t really realistic 25’ options, no. From reading this authors last article I think if the new board can get the investment they seem to be confident in, you keeping them simply for the amount of money they’ll be investing in the game. Then ditch them later if they’re not good enough without such a high budget. Use them to get Jaguares reintergration stronger, with more key players on board, and have success drive success.

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