Caucaunibuca out of Super 12

FIJI star Rupeni Caucaunibuca has been ruled out of the remainder of the Super 12 because of a shoulder injury — a blow not only for the defending champions, but also for all followers of the southern hemisphere tournament.

The 23-year-old, without doubt the best finisher in rugby, will have surgery to repair damage to a shoulder ligament. He faces a six-month lay-off.

"It's a real blow as anyone who has seen Rupeni play knows what a special player and match-winner he is," Blues coach Peter Sloane said.

"However, he needs to get his shoulder seen to and as a team we have to move on."

Caucau, as he is known, has been in the news over a possible move to Europe at the end of the year when his New Zealand Rugby Union contract expires but his shoulder injury could hamper his move.