Liam Squire in doubt for June tests

Highlanders and All Blacks loose forward Liam Squire is in doubt for the June test series against France due to a setback in his recovery from a broken thumb.

Squire, who hasn't played since he busted it against the Crusaders in March and was slated to return against the Sharks in Durban next weekend. However, Highlanders assistant coach Mark Hammett confirmed that he is expected to miss another six weeks. 

"He had his cast taken off and under another scan it hadn't quite set how it was supposed to," Hammett said. "Unfortunately, it had to be reset, and that effectively reset the start date, as well."

It's more rotten luck for the 15-cap All Black having been forced to sit out six matches last year after he also broke his thumb against the Cheetahs.

Squire attended the second "foundation day" for South Island All Blacks in Christchurch last Monday, and was expected to go into the 2018 international season as the starting blindside flanker. His name has also been floated at No 8 with captain Kieran Read still out of action. 

Full story via stuff.co.nz