Highlanders vice captain Jamie Mackintosh has been ruled out of playing for the Highlanders in the rebel Sport Super 14 competition for at least the next 6 weeks due to a foot injury. Jamie came off the field at Friday night’s game against the Lions due to this foot injury.

Highlander’s Doctor Sandy Webb explained that the injury Jamie sustained, nicknamed “turf toe”, is a common injury in front rowers as the big toe is injured while scrimmaging. He is currently wearing a moon-boot and will be treated symptomatically over the next 6 weeks.

Highlanders head coach Glenn Moore commented that “this is a big blow for Jamie and the team as he is a key leader within the set-up. We all wish him a speedy recovery”. Jamie will not be replaced in the squad however Keith Cameron will be brought in to train with the team from the Wider Training Group.

Jamie remarked “I’m pretty disappointed to get this injury to such a small part of my body. I feel I have been playing some good rugby but now I need to focus on the rehab and hopefully getting back to play some games at the end of the season”.

Other injuries to the squad include Wider Training Group member Ryan Shortland, who will go into surgery tomorrow for a knee injury. He is being replaced by Otago player Andrew Parata.