Crusaders lose standout flanker Cullen Grace to thumb injury

Crusaders loose forward Cullen Grace is set for an unspecified stint on the sideline with a fractured thumb.

The impressive 20-year-old is scheduled to have surgery in Christchurch, having sustained the injury late in the team's win against the Chiefs on Sunday.

The Crusaders said in a statement that subsequent investigation showed he has sustained a fracture at the base of his thumb which will require surgery to repair.

The franchise will advise his return-to-play timeframe, and an injury replacement, after a post-surgery consultation.

This week, the Highlanders will take on the Crusaders at 7.05pm Saturday while the Chiefs will face the Hurricanes at 3.35pm Sunday.

[Source: Stuff.CO]