Rugby:All Blacks winger Sitiveni Sivivatu has been ruled out of rugby for up to six months after it was confirmed he would need surgery to stabilise his left shoulder, which keeps dislocating.
The 28-year-old, who has 43 All Blacks caps since making his debut in 2005, had similar surgery on his right shoulder in 2004.
"While it is disappointing, I'm pretty relaxed about the whole situation," said Sivivatu, who plays for Super 14 team the Waikato Chiefs.
"It is just one of those things that happen and I need to just concentrate on recovering well after the surgery." He is expected to have surgery within the next three weeks and then undergo rehabilitation, which could take up to six months, the Chiefs said.
The All Blacks boosted their openside flanker options in the search for a back-up for captain Richie McCaw before next year's World Cup with the return of Daniel Braid to New Zealand.
The 29-year-old Braid, who will rejoin the Auckland Rugby Union at the start of July, had been playing for the Queensland Reds in the Super 14 and therefore ineligible for selection by All Blacks coach Graham Henry.
Only players resident in New Zealand are eligible.
Braid has re-signed for two years, the New Zealand Rugby Union said in a statement today, coming with Tanerau Latimer's decision to extend his contract until 2012 to fight for a World Cup spot . "We're delighted that Daniel has chosen to come back and commit to New Zealand rugby," said Steve Tew, New Zealand rugby chief executive.
"He has been an outstanding player both in his previous time in New Zealand and during this time with the Reds and his talent is widely recognised."
Braid has been one of the form players in this year's Super rugby competition and been nominated as one of the 10 finalists for the Australian Rugby Union's Super 14 player of the year.
The All Blacks have struggled to find cover for McCaw, with Latimer, Scott Waldrom, Adam Thomson and George Whitelock all given time in the number seven jersey when McCaw was injured or being rested.
"Having the rugby World Cup in your home country and the opportunity to potentially push for a place to represent New Zealand is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Braid.
"This was a factor in my decision to return home."