Blues lock Kurtis Haiu is on indefinite leave after a tumour was found on his rib.
"This appears to be a primary bone tumour but he will have to undergo a series of further tests including surgery to definitive-ly confirm the type of tumour," team doctor Stephen Kara said.
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"Until this time, prognosis is uncertain."
The lesion on Haiu's rib was discovered late last week. Some coaching staff and captain Keven Mealamu were told after the Blues beat the Rebels on Good Friday and Haiu spoke to the squad on Easter Monday.
"It is treatable. The first instance will be removing the cancer and part of the rib, and then any additional therapy, that is dictated by what the results of the testing show," Dr Kara said.
Haiu had intermittent pain for a few months but attributed that to the contact work in rugby. Then about a month ago the increase in levels and frequency of his pain led to more specialist investigation including blood tests and X-rays.
The 26-year-old lock is married with two daughters. He has played 75 games for Auckland and 53 games for the Blues since his 2006 debut.
