Double injury blow for Crusaders after Waratahs

The Crusaders 23-22 Super Rugby victory over the Waratahs came at a cost as lock Dominic Bird has been ruled out for the season.

Bird incurred a significant shoulder injury in the match and had to leave the field before full time.

Following further medical assesment today the Crusaders have confirmed that Bird has ruptured his left pectoralis major tendon and will require surgery later this week which will rule him out of the remainder of the 2013 Super Rugby tournament.

Bird was expected to be called into the All Blacks squad as the third lock
behind Luke Romano and Brodie Retallick following the recent retirement of veteran
Ali Williams from Test rugby and a finger injury to Sam Whitelock.

Hooker Corey Flynn who made his return from injury in the match against the Waratahs suffered a further hamstring injury. The Crusaders have not given a time frame on how long Flynn is expected to be out for.

Crusaders number eight and captain Kieran Read suffered a minor head knock during the game but after further medical assesment this morning the medical team have confirmed that he is much better.