Former Otago and All Black first five-eighth Tony Brown is believed to have suffered a serious injury while playing rugby, and is in hospital in Japan.
Brown, who will turn 34 in January, is understood to have suffered an abdominal injury after taking a blow during a game in Japan.
His wife, Alex, declined to comment when contacted by the Otago Daily Times yesterday.
Brown is thought to have undergone an operation, and is still in hospital. It is not known exactly how he suffered the injury.
Brown last played for the Highlanders in 2004 but has since played in the Super 14 for two South African sides, the Sharks (2006) and the Stormers (2008).
He had been mentioned as a possibility for the Highlanders next season.
He has been playing for the Sanyo Wild Knights team in Japan since moving there in late 2004, leading the side to the All Japan title this year.
The side is based in the city of Ota, about 70km northwest of Tokyo.
Brown played 83 games for the Highlanders, and also 70 games for Otago, and 17 tests for the All Blacks.
