New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter will be sidelined for up to eight weeks after opting to undergo surgery on a troublesome ankle injury.
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after Carter led the All Blacks to their 10th Tri Nations trophy with a 29-22 come-from-behind victory over South Africa on Saturday.
Carter also broke the record for Test points during the match, surpassing England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson with his third penalty.
All Blacks team doctor Deb Robinson revealed the 28-year-old has been playing with pain in his right ankle throughout the year.
"However, it's reached the point now where it is restricting his ankle flexibility and, in turn, affecting his calf muscle strength, so now is the right time to have surgery," Dr Robinson said.
The surgery, which will take place in Christchurch on Tuesday, involves removing loose material from the joint at the back of Carter's ankle, as well as a bone spur from the front.
Carter said he was looking forward to getting back on the pitch in time for the All Blacks' end-of-year tour to Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
"Given that movement in my foot is being affected, it's obviously in my best interests to have the surgery now," he said.
"I've been in his situation before and understand what is involved so I will get through the surgery and rehab and then look forward to getting back into rugby."
New Zealand faces Australia in their final Tri Nations match in Sydney on September 11.
A replacement for Carter is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.