Liam Squire

The Highlanders confirmed on Monday that the 30-year-old would miss the rest of Super Rugby Aotearoa due to a recurring knee injury, with no timeframe given on his return to rugby.

“It is tough for Liam, he has worked hard to get back in shape to have a big season but his knee has flared up again which means we have to give him time now to rest it and try and get it right,” Highlanders coach Tony Brown said in a statement.

Squire played about 20 minutes off the bench against the Crusaders in round one and the Chiefs in round two, but he has not been seen since.

Squire's Tasman teammate, Shannon Frizell has headed for Japan after young flanker Luke Jacobson was ruled out of the tournament with delayed concussion symptoms.

Squire earlier cited mental health for his unavailability for the initial World Cup squad but said he would be available if someone got injured.

He is playing well provincially.

With Jacobson forced to withdraw, the 23-test loose forward would have appeared the obvious replacement.

Hansen, though, said nothing had changed since the World Cup squad announcement in relation to Squire.

Squire had been cited for striking with his shoulder in the Highlanders win over the Hurricanes on Friday night.

The Highlanders flanker had been cited for leading with his shoulder when clearing out TJ Perenara from a ruck but the committee decided the Wellington Hurricanes scrumhalf had dropped to his knees just before impact.

The SANZAAR Foul Play Review Committee dismissed the citing and Squire has been cleared of all charges.

In his finding, Foul Play Review Committee Chairman Nigel Hampton QC ruled the following:

The unbeaten Southerners will be without All Black loose forward Liam Squire for up to six weeks because of injury.

Squire broke the thumb in his right hand during last night's 25-17 over the Crusaders in Dunedin.

The injury occurred in the first half and Squire was replaced by Elliot Dixon just before halftime.

A Highlanders statement said Squire, who has played 15 tests, will be side-lined for up to 6 weeks.

That will result in him missing games against the Hurricanes, Chiefs, Brumbies, Blues and Bulls.