Rugby: Injury blow for Donnelly

Tom Donnelly. Photo / Getty Images

The Highlanders have injury concerns to two of their most important players - before the season has even begun.

All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly's expected to be out of at least the first two rounds of the Super 15 with a shoulder injury.

Highlanders captain Jamie Mackintosh says Donnelly's injury, along with Colin Slade's broken jaw adds some problems.

He says Slade was on fire in their warm up match against the Blues, so he'll be a loss.

The full extent of Donnelly's shoulder problem should be known today.

- NEWSTALK ZB