Rugby: Shoulder injury rules Andrew Hore out of Tests

HOOKER Andrew Hore looks set to miss New Zealand's Tests against Ireland and Wales in June after dislocating his shoulder during the Hurricanes' 32-16 Super 14 defeat against the Waratahs.

Hore was forced from the field in the 22nd minute at Sydney Football Stadium yesterday and is facing at least six weeks on the sidelines, although it is possible he could miss the whole of the international season.

The best-case scenario of six weeks would see the 31-year-old be available for the Tri Nations campaign against Australia and South Africa.

Hore's injury will be a blow to All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who is already without leading players lock Ali Williams (Achilles) and wing Sitiveni Sivivatu (shoulder) for the year because of injury.

Super 14 semi-finals: Bulls v Crusaders (Orlando Stadium, Soweto, 22 May); Stormers v Waratahs (Newlands, Cape Town, date tba).