Shontayne Hape has been left heartbroken by news he will be out of action for six months with a knee injury.

An exploratory operation confirmed he requires surgery on his right knee to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

The problem is a recurrence of an injury he first received playing for the New Zealand Warriors in 2002.

Last year tests revealed the initial repair to the ligament was just 25 per cent effective and would likely fail at some point, but the reality of that occurrence - which happened prior to Hape's Test debut for the Kiwis in November - has still hit him hard.

"I am gutted," said Hape.

"I've been through it before and to be told that I have to

have it done again is heartbreaking.

"I was hoping to have another good year this year."

Despite twice breaking his arm last year, Hape managed 24 tries in just 26 appearances and signed a two-year contract extension.

The only consolation for Hape, who turns 24 on Sunday, is that he has been through worse before.

"Last time I missed the whole season because it was a lot worse than just the ACL. I had a dislocated kneecap and did the medial ligament too. But this time it's just a straight ACL, so I'll be looking to get back in five months' time. My goal is to get back for July. I know I can do it, it has been done before by other players."

Coach Brian Noble put a brave face on the loss of his star centre but, in tandem with the in-house suspension of hooker Ryan Hudson for an alleged doping offence, the news couldn't have come at a worse time.

"It's a blow. You want your best players playing and we put him in that category. But we have coped without players before. We coped without Shontayne for six or seven weeks last year and we are in a position to do that again.

"It is far from ideal. It is not the kind of start you want but he will be back in July ready for the push at the end."