The Super Rugby season is over for injured Highlanders prop Brendon Edmonds.
The 25-year-old New Zealand Maori loosehead ruptured ligaments in his left knee before the first break in play during the Highlanders' 32-20 win over the Force in Dunedin on Friday.
Scans and further assessment showed the need to undergo reconstructive surgery which will rule him out for a lengthy period.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph says the injury was "really bad luck" for Edmonds who had played all six Super Rugby matches this season and was on top of his game.
Edmonds' high work rate and impressive scrummaging in his first campaign with the Highlanders last year stood out in their run to a maiden Super Rugby title.
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"He is such a great guy in the environment as well as being an outstanding prop. We hope he recovers from the surgery quickly and rehabs well," Joseph said.
Edmonds is the latest fringe All Blacks propping candidate ruled out for the season following injuries to Chiefs pair Nepo Laulala and Pauliasi Manu.
A replacement has yet to be named by the Highlanders.
