Witcombe out of All Blacks' Grand Slam Tour

Derren Witcombe.

Auckland hooker Derren Witcombe's neck injury has ruled him out of contention for the All Blacks end-of-year Grand Slam rugby tour of Britain and Ireland.

Witcombe faces surgery and six months on the sidelines as a result of the injury suffered in the NPC and Ranfurly Shield loss to Canterbury last Saturday, the Auckland Rugby Union said today.

The problem was described as a hyperflexion injury to the neck.

Results of an MRI scan showed a large disc prolapse, or bulge, in his neck.

Auckland team doctor Stephen Kara said Witcombe would remain in a hard collar brace for three weeks to allow the injury to settle and to see if the bulge receded.

However, Kara, in consultation with a spinal surgeon, believed surgery would be needed if Witcombe were to play again.

This would mean a six-month rehabilitation and recovery period, but Witcombe would be able to return to the front row and not be at any greater risk than other players.

Witcombe, 26, made his test debut this year against Fiji and went on to play twice against the Lions and once each against South Africa and Australia in the Tri-Nations.

Against Canterbury, he suffered pins and needles when a scrum twisted and collapsed on him.

He had recovered enough by the following day to be able accompany his Auckland teammates on their flight back from Christchurch.

Witcombe said today that he was disappointed to be sidelined for an extended period, but was relieved the injury was not as serious as it could have been.

"Your health is the most valuable asset you can have," he said in a statement.

"Injuries are part of the game and you just have to accept them. The support of the medical staff and the team has been great. I will be following their advice closely and will only resume training when I am 100 per cent ready."

Auckland coach Pat Lam said Witcombe, who has been the province's starting hooker ahead of test teammate Keven Mealamu, would be missed in the semifinal against North Harbour on Saturday.

"Since returning from the All Blacks Derren's contribution to the team, both on and off the field has been first-class," he said.

"The team and everyone involved in Auckland Rugby will be doing all they can to help him in his recovery."

All Black coach Graham Henry said he was disappointed about Witcombe's unavailability for the upcoming tour, but his health was the most important consideration.

"We are glad the injury is not as severe as it could have been and we look forward to seeing him back playing whenever this may be."

- NZPA