The Crusaders have been dealt a setback with the news that promising flanker Cullen Grace requires surgery to repair a thumb injury he suffered over the weekend.

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Grace, 20, injured his right thumb towards the end of the Super Rugby Aotearoa match against the Chiefs in Christchurch last Sunday.

According to a Crusaders statement, a subsequent investigation showed he had sustained a fracture at the base of his thumb which will require surgery to repair.

He will go under the knife and his return to play time frame will be clearer after this procedure, with the Crusaders yet to replace him in their squad.

Scott Robertson's charges have enjoyed a promising start to the competition, winning against the Hurricanes and Chiefs, and face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday (kick-off 09:05 SA time).

- TEAMtalk media