Chiefs outside back Mils Muliaina has been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby season.
The former All Blacks fullback has succumbed to an elbow injury aggravated in their round two match against the Crusaders in February.
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The 33-year-old has struggled with an elbow injury since returning from a two-season stint in Japan.
He’s had limited gametime for the defending champions after re-signing on a one-year deal.
Muliaina had hoped to delay surgery on the joint until the end of the seaon, but will now have an operation next Thursday.
However, he’s been withdrawn from the squad immediately, and has been replaced by Asaeli Tikoirotuma on the wing to play the Crusaders on Saturday.