Rugby: Nonu ruled out of South African tour

Ma'a Nonu

All Blacks utility back Ma'a Nonu has been ruled out of the Hurricanes' two-match South African rugby tour with a shin injury.

Nonu flew home from Perth as his teammates departed for South Africa after having a scan on his injury following the Hurricanes' 17-18 loss to the Western Force early on Saturday.

Assistant coach Aussie McLean said the scan showed an injury to the membrane between the tibia and fibula bones.

It means Nonu will miss the matches against the Sharks in Durban and the Lions in Johannesburg, before they return home to host the Bulls on March 31 by which time their full compliment of All Blacks will be available.

McLean played down the seriousness of captain Tana Umaga's achilles tendon injury which forced him off the field just after halftime in the Force match.

- NZPA