Rising Crusaders star ruled out for rest of the season
Rising Crusaders star Taha Kemara has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
Kemara, 22, left the field during his team's win over the Highlanders in Dunedin at the weekend after hurting his left knee and it was announced this afternoon that he has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
Kemara, who had injury issues last season, quickly became the Crusaders' first-choice first-five this year, with experienced former Wallaby James O'Connor confined to a bench role.
The Crusaders' consistency of selection has contributed to their vast improvement this season: They are second on the table behind the Chiefs on points differential.
O'Connor and Rivez Reihana, who replaced Kemara in Dunedin, will now vie for the No.10 jersey.
"We are obviously hurting for Taha and his family, but he is a young man with an incredible drive and work ethic. His resilience is admirable, and he will work really hard to get back on that pitch in a better place than he was before, that's just who he is," head coach Rob Penney said.
Kemara said: "When you get a long-term injury, your thoughts go to the security of yourself and your family, but the management have been awesome in terms of reassuring me that I'm going to be in their plans for the long-term. That made me feel so much better, coming off the field knowing they've got my back no matter what."
It is anticipated Kemara will return to play near the beginning of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.
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