LATEST NEWS: Prominent All Black and Springbok players are sidelined due to injuries afflicting a Japanese club.

Suntory Sungoliath has encountered a significant setback with two of their star players, All Blacks flanker Sam Cane and Springboks sensation Cheslin Kolbe, facing extended periods on the sidelines.

Currently occupying the third position in the Japanese Rugby League One Division 1 standings with six victories in their first eight games, Suntory will likely have to manage without these key players for a considerable part of the ongoing tournament.

According to reports by Japan-based rugby journalist Rich Freeman, Kolbe is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a hand injury, while Cane’s back injury could keep him out for approximately 10 weeks.

Both players were absent from Suntory’s recent dominant 62-0 victory over the Black Rams and are anticipated to miss a substantial portion of the remaining regular season matches. Kolbe might miss between four to six matches, leaving him with only two to four games before the playoffs, while Cane’s potential return might coincide with the tournament’s knockout stages.

This unfortunate turn of events adds to Suntory’s challenges, particularly after the earlier departure of Gareth Anscombe due to injury before even making an appearance for the club. However, the team is unlikely to seek replacements for Kolbe and Cane from overseas.

Kolbe’s injury is a concern for the Springboks, potentially affecting his availability for the one-off Test against Wales in June, although he is expected to recover in time. On the other hand, if fit, Cane could still be considered for selection by Scott Robertson for the June internationals against England, as he is on a sabbatical in Japan before returning to the Chiefs in 2025.

The absence of Kolbe and Cane will be keenly felt in key matches against the Yokohama Canon Eagles, Toyota Verblitz, and Kobelco Kobe Steelers. However, they are scheduled to face the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners afterward, a team currently struggling near the bottom of the standings.