New Zealand's stocks of international locks has been pruned even further with confirmation that Jason Eaton has been ruled out of rugby for six months.
Eaton became the third All Blacks lock, after Chris Jack and James Ryan, to fall foul of serious injury during this season's Super14 competition.
He was helped from the field after falling awkwardly during the Hurricanes' 22-21 win over the Highlanders in Wellington last night.
It was confirmed today that Eaton ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
A Hurricanes spokesman said it was anticipated Eaton, 24, would require a total reconstruction of the ligament and would be out of action for six months.
"Obviously I'm very disappointed," Eaton said.
"I'm seeing a surgeon next week and we will take things from there. My focus will be on getting through the rehab work so that I'm in good shape for the start of the 2008 Super 14."
Like Ryan, Eaton has no chance of making the All Blacks for the World Cup in France in September.
Ryan was ruled out this month after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for the Highlanders while Jack, New Zealand's most experienced lock, was last month sidelined for the remainder of the Super 14 after injuring a hamstring tendon.
