Halfpenny blow for Crusaders

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Veteran fullback Leigh Halfpenny faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after a pectoral muscle injury during his brief debut for the Crusaders in Cork.

The Wales and British & Irish Lions legend played 15 minutes in the Crusaders’ 21-19 loss to Munster last week before leaving the field with an arm in a sling.

Crusaders assistant coach Tamati Ellison confirmed that the 35-year-old Halfpenny will undergo surgery, sidelining him for at least three to four months.

“He will have surgery up here, and once he is ready to fly he will come back home and rehab in Christchurch,” Ellison was quoted by Stuff.nz.

WATCH: Halfpenny performs haka with Crusaders

“It is a real bummer for him. Especially having time here at the hotels and with the group. He is just starting to open up, and get the best out of him.

“He will still help, even during his rehab period, around some of the kicking and the game-driving for a few of our younger boys. He has been great there, already.

“We are expecting him to play. If the rehab goes well, he will be looking forward to playing.”

Photo: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images

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