British and Irish Lions

Carlos Spencer's troubled season shows no sign of improving after it was confirmed the All Blacks fly-half has fractured his cheekbone and will require surgery.

Spencer collided with Auckland team-mate Daniel Braid at a Blues training session and is unlikely to return until their Super 12 clash against the Hurricanes on May 6.

The New Zealand international, who will be hoping to face the British & Irish Lions this summer, is expected to have an operation on Saturday to plate and repair the damage.

Spencer has endured a torrid season so far after being relegated to the bench in favour of the up-and-coming Tasesa Lavea.

Spencer, who has played 96 games for the Blues, suffered a similar facial injury last year when his jaw was broken while playing against the Chiefs.

He recovered in time for the All Blacks early season Tests and the Tri-Nations series.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.