Rugby: Another AB hit with injury

Ton Donnelly. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly will miss the first six rounds of the Highlanders' Super Rugby season.

A scan has revealed a partial dislocation of the shoulder which he suffered in last weekend's pre-season match against the Chiefs.

The injury doesn't require an operation but Donnelly won't be available until the Highlanders/Brumbies match in the first week of April.

Donnelly joins Colin Slade and Kurt Baker on the Highlanders injury scrap heap - Baker is out for three months with a stress fracture to his back and will miss the season.

He's been replaced by Tasman's Kade Poki.

- NEWSTALK ZB