Otago prepares for life without Newby

Otago skipper Craig Newby has today been ruled out for the remainder of the Air New Zealand Cup competition.

The former All Black loose forward has been sidelined for four months with a shoulder injury. It is a complaint Newby has been battling since the end of the Super 14. He will undergo surgery on Friday.

Otago coach Steve Martin says it is obviously a blow to lose their captain, but it is not the end of the world.

He says it was an unexpected bonus to have Newby in the first place, because they thought he would be tied up with the All Blacks.

Steve Martin says it is likely Josh Blackie or Neil Brew will take over as captain, although a decision is yet to be made

- NEWSTALK ZB