Crusaders wing George Bridge has been ruled out for the remainder of the Trans-Tasman competition and is at risk of missing the All Blacks’ Test season due to injury.
Bridge underwent surgery to remove his appendix on Tuesday, a day after complaining about soreness and discomfort in his abdomen. He is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
The issue is yet another setback for Bridge, who suffered a pectoral injury in 2020 which ended his late-season campaign with the All Blacks early, and he subsequently spent five months recovering.
His injuries woes don’t end there, as Bridge is also having his right knee evaluated after a collision with Brumbies loose forward Rob Valetini this past weekend.
‘He’s had a bit of a tough run, old Georgie … that’s his competition done,’ Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said.
With the All Blacks set start their Test season in early July, Bridge is in a race against time to prove his fitness for the first match against Tonga in Auckland, having played just six games of professional rugby in 2021.
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