Hurricanes lock Jason Eaton is likely to miss the rest of the Super rugby season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Saturday’s 33-18 victory over the Lions.

“It is likely that this will require surgery, putting him out of the game for approximately six months,” the team said in a statement.

The 27-year-old suffered a similar injury to his left knee in 2007, causing him to miss the All Blacks’ World Cup campaign that year.

Winger Tamati Ellison and outside centre Conrad Smith did not travel with the team to South Africa on Monday and are also out of the weekend’s game against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

Ellison suffered a contusion to his right shoulder in the Lions’ match, while Smith sprained a ligament in his right thumb.

Winger Hosea Gear, who has been recovering from knee surgery, was expected to be available for selection in about a month, the team said.

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Hurricanes' Eaton out for the season

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