Multiple injury setbacks for Chiefs

Feb 13, 2017 - 6:31 PM The most injury-prone Super Rugby team last year, the Chiefs have made a catastrophic start to 2017.

Halfback Brad Weber and prop Mitchell Graham both suffered broken legs at the Brisbane Global Tens and both will require season-ending surgery.

Fringe lock Fin Hoeta is also facing up to two months on the sidelines for an estimated two months after damaging ankle ligaments as the Chiefs took out the tournament.

Weber fractured his thigh bone and won't be sighted for about six months.

The lively Weber, 26, was a key Chiefs figure last year, playing every game as fellow-All Blacks halfbacks Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Augustine Pulu battled injuries.

Pulu has shifted to the Blues this year, heaping pressure on Kerr-Barlow to stay fit.

Taranaki loosehead specialist Graham played in all of the first 12 games last season before a hamstring problem struck him down.

He will also be out for at least six months to recover from surgery, having fractured the tibia and fibula bones when he fell awkwardly in a tackle.

The Chiefs haven't indicated if additional players will be promoted into their primary squad.

Last year coach Dave Rennie fielded a total of 43 players as injury devastated their Super Rugby season.

Source: AAP