Will Jordan is set to miss the start of the Crusaders’ Pacific Super Rugby campaign due to a problem that has kept him on the sidelines since last season.
The utility was ruled out of New Zealand’s 2022 year-end tour to the northern hemisphere due to what the All Blacks called an “inner ear issue”, but has now been diagnosed as a “migraine-related condition”. .
The Crusaders begin the defense of their Super Rugby Pacific title against the Chiefs in Christchurch on Friday, February 24.
Uncertainty about return
Their head coach, Scott Robertson, gave an update on Jordan’s condition on Tuesday and indicated that there is uncertainty regarding the exact time frame of his return.
“It’s a migraine, it’s not concussion based,” said Robertson Stuif. “It’s a day-to-day thing. He trains with us regularly, and a lot of the conversations he has with the medical group are about how he’s improving, and he’s getting better.
“When he is back we are not sure. We will work with him and the medical group as best we can.
“I can’t give much insight [into what he’s going through]. There is a lot of medical privacy. His perception is that he is tracking very well. He still has something to do with it, he’s made a few line breaks in training, and he’s still got that side of him.
“His confidence is getting better, and it’s exciting for him, he’s getting better.”
In 2018, Jordan was ruled out with a similar injury and the Crusaders struggled to determine why he was not fully fit.
In the end, their medical team determined that it was not due to a head blow he suffered while playing for Tasman during the NPC, but an inner ear issue, which resulted in vertigo and impaired vision.
The 24-year-old’s injury means the Crusaders will need to find a goal but who will wear the number 15 in his absence is less clear following the arrival of veteran outside George Bridge in the 14 excellence of Montpellier.
They could move inside center David Havili to fullback, where he spent most of his early career, especially with fellow All Blacks midfielder Jack Goodhue fit again.
Chay Fihaki is a favorite to start at 15
However, young defender Chay Fihaki is the favorite to start in the number 15 jersey as he has previously played in that position for the Crusaders.
Former Blues utility back Melani Nanai and New Zealand U20 fullback Macca Springer are options for Robertson.
READ MORE: Super Rugby Pacific: Roger Tuivasa-Sheck shines for Blues in pre-season clash with Hurricanes
The article Super Rugby Pacific: Will Jordan still sidelined with ‘migraine-related condition’ appeared first on Planetrugby.com.