George Bell’s try against the Chiefs was one for the books. Photo / Photosport
The Crusaders have been dealt another blow to their front-row stocks with talented hooker George Bell out for the entire 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Bell suffered a fracture in his foot during the Crusaders’ second preseason match against the Highlanders in Invercargill on Waitangi Day. The injury came as he opened the scoring from a lineout drive just 12 minutes into the game.
Bell will require surgery and is expected to be out of rugby for four months.
A long injury list grew even longer with Noah Hotham suffering a suspected high ankle sprain after only 8 minutes. Whilst the casualty ward isn’t quite at 2024’s dire level for the 14-time champions – it’s another wretched run of luck to begin the 2025 Super Rugby season. As many as ten of the 14 injuries are contact-related, and that’s where luck has deserted coach Rob Penney and his assistants.
They’ll be relieved to have started with a win over the Hurricanes with a procession of reinforcements due back over the coming weeks. But some won’t be seen again.
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
The post All Blacks hooker George Bell ruled out of Super Rugby season first appeared on Rugby 247.
—-
Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-02-14 17:29:33
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.