Crusaders lose Nadolo for quarter-final

The Crusaders winger Nemani Nadolo has been ruled out of his side's Super Rugby quarter-final against the Lions in Johannesburg due to a hamstring injury.

RNZI reports Nadolo, who is leaving the Crusaders for Montpellier at the end of the season, was not included in Todd Blackadder's squad for the trip to South Africa.

Nadolo suffered the injury in the Crusaders' 35-15 loss to the Hurricanes on Saturday.

Halfback Andy Ellis, who was also an injury doubt, has been included despite missing Saturday's game after suffering a calf injury during the warm up for the game.

The All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock, who withdrew from the match against the Hurricanes because of illness, will also travel with the team.

The Crusaders were unable to travel to South Africa because of a lack of flights and flew to Auckland yesterday and will fly out for the republic today.