Highlanders co-captain james Lentjes will not play Super Rugby again this season after suffering a horror leg injury.
Lentjes was driven off the field in the Highlanders loss to the Rebels on Friday night after breaking his leg after being awkwardly cleaned out in a ruck.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said on Monday that the whole team was thinking of their skipper as they prepare to head to South Africa on tour.
"Our thoughts are with Jimmy," he said.
"He has been an outstanding leader for us over the pre-season and the early rounds of the competition.
"The whole squad join with me in wishing the skip a successful recovery and we look forward to seeing him around the environment post-surgery."
The worst case news was realised for Lentjes on Monday morning as the Highlanders confirmed his prognosis.
Lentjes dislocated and fractured his ankle, requiring surgery and a six-to-nine month layoff.
Aaron Smith and Ash Dixon will take over as co-captains for the Highlanders for the rest of the season.
The 29-year-old posted to Instagram over the weekend to express his gratitude for all the well wishes he received in the wake of the injury.
