Dan Braid, the captain of the Aviva Premiership Rugby Football Union club the Sale Sharks, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering a knee injury.
The former New Zealand international has already undergone surgery on the damaged knee, albeit a minor one, and will sit out the remaining two matches for Sale in the Premiership against the Leicester Tigers followed by the London Irish on the final day of the season.
Braid, who had notched up seven tries in 23 appearances for a rejuvenated, has not been a part of the playing squad since the club’s victory against the Northampton Saints back in March and he will return to action straight during pre-season.
Steve Diamond, the Director of Rugby of the Sale Sharks confirmed the injury and the enforced absence for his skipper, adding that the leadership qualities he brings to the sides are next to no one in the team and he has been a fantastic servant during his time at the club.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester, the Sale boss stated that injury comes as no surprise to him considering how Braid puts his body on the line every time he takes the pitch, giving his all to his team’s cause.
Led on by the 33 year old Kiwi, the Sale Sharks have had a brilliant season this time around after the turmoil of last season and are guaranteed to finish in the top six with a place in the new European Rugby Champions Cup confirmed for next season.
And with Braid returning from injury in time for the start of the new season, Diamond can hope to build on the success of this season as he seeks European glory for the club to start a new era for the club and the city.