Cardiff Blues have been dealt a huge blow with the news that captain Andries Pretorius is out for the rest of the season because of a shoulder injury.
Pretorius, who has been carrying the injury since December, has been forced to undergo an operation to reconstruct his shoulder.
The South Africa-born No 8 was given a first call-up to the Wales squad at the end of January but he has not been able to play.
The 27-year-old aggravated the injury in the Blues' RaboDirect PRO12 victory over Edinburgh.
A Cardiff Blues statement said: "Following consultation with the medical team Pretorius underwent shoulder reconstruction surgery on Friday, which went well, and the Blues Number 8 is due to return to full training in May."
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
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Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
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The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
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The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
