Taha Kemara in action for the Crusaders. Photo: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
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.
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