Latest news with #Kemara
1News
01-05-2025
- Sport
- 1News
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.
RNZ News
01-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Crusaders lose Taha Kemara for rest of Super Rugby Pacific season
Taha Kemara in action for the Crusaders. Photo: Elias Rodriguez / The Crusaders have lost first-five Taha Kemara for the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season, with scans confirming he's ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). Kemara, 22, succumbed to a nasty-looking injury to his left knee during the Crusaders' 43-10 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin last weekend. He was enjoying a breakout season, but will have to undergo surgery, making him unavailable for the remainder of the competition. The Crusaders are second on the ladder, just behind the tabletopping Chiefs. "We are obviously hurting for Taha and his family, but he is a young man with an incredible drive and work ethic," coach Rob Penney said. "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." 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." Kemara is expected to return to play near the beginning of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Crusaders first-five Taha Kemar out for rest of season
Taha Kemara leaves the field after sustaining an injury during the round 11 Super Rugby Pacific match between the Highlanders and Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Crusaders first-five Taha Kemara injured his left knee in Saturday's match against the Highlanders. He has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will undergo surgery as a result, making him unavailable for the remainder of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition. Said head coach Rob Penney: "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. Said Kemara: "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 near the start of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. The Crusaders have a bye this weekend before they play they play the Chiefs on May 10.
