All Blacks vice-captain Richie McCaw is progressing well after suffering a serious head injury in a match for his club side Crusaders.
Crusaders coach Robbie Deans told NZPA that McCaw had not suffered any side effects after being stretchered off during the Rebel Sport Super 12 loss to the Bulls on Sunday.
"Richie’s been really good," Deans said.
"He’s been chirpy and has participated in all our team activities. In terms of the concussion he’s been really good. He hasn’t had any adverse effects, which is a good start for him."
McCaw took a heavy blow to the head in the opening minutes of their 20-35 loss at Loftus Versfeld when attempting to tackle Bulls prop Richard Bands.
New Zealand coach Graham Henry later admitted he was concerned the influential flanker would not be fit to face the British & Irish Lions when they tour in June and July.
Deans could not confirm when McCaw would return to training, but said it was highly unlikely he would be considered to play the Cats in Christchurch on April 23.
"That’s standard concussion management and from here we’ll just respond to him."
Deans said McCaw would continue to have further tests to track his recovery.
McCaw has a history of head injuries.
After suffering a blow in the first Test against England in June, McCaw returned to action a fortnight later for the test against Argentina but reported headaches the next day which ruled him out until midway through the NPC three months later.
From that point he suffered no ill effects and played a full part on the season-ending All Blacks tour to Europe.
