Richie McCaw will miss the beginning of the Super 15 season with the Crusaders

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is to have surgery to remove a screw from his injured right foot, All Blacks Doctor Deb Robinson says.

McCaw had surgery earlier in the year and a screw was inserted into a metatarsal in the foot, however he has had trouble with it throughout the season, including the World Cup.

In a medical update today, Dr Robinson said: “Richie had a scan earlier in the week and saw a specialist yesterday to discuss the best options for him.  While the initial stress fracture in his foot has partially healed, the scan revealed that there is an area of bone stress around the screw. The best option for him is to have surgery to have the screw removed, he will also have some bone grafting done and then his foot will be left alone to heal.”

The operation has been scheduled for later this month, once he has returned from holiday. Caution has been taken not to rush McCaw back to recovery with no timeline being set for his return to rugby.

“Following the surgery, Richie will be in plaster for two weeks and then a moonboot for a month.  After around 10 to 12 weeks he will be able to start running and then will gradually return to rugby training.”