It’s the news that any rugby player does not want to hear, and it’s silenced North Harbour star signing, Rene Ranger, today.
The 28-year old former Northland Taniwha captain signed with his new union earlier this year, in conjunction with a Super 15 contract with the Blues, however, North Harbour management have revealed to Te Kāea, that Ranger will not play in the 2015 ITM Cup campaign.
Ranger, who returned home at the beginning of the year from a stint with French club side, Montpellier, underwent surgery after a specialist visit which determined a damaged disk in his neck from numerous high impact collisions.
Today, North Harbour manager, Peter White, confirmed their star signing is “completely gutted” – his North Harbour season is over before it even begun.
The six-test All Black is said to be “fit and rearing to go” for his new union side, however medical advice given to Ranger in the past week has meant he is unable to be selected for full-contact matches.
White adds, “He [Ranger] had a scan about two weeks ago, and it’s showing he’s not making enough progress as we would have hoped.”
A shocking blow for the North Harbour outfit, who have currently only won two of their eight ITM Cup Championship games to date.
The team, now confirmed without Ranger's services for the season, look to their next challenge as they host Otago at Albany’s North Harbour Stadium, on Thursday.