The 25-year-old ruptured several ligaments in his right knee while playing for Tasman against Wellington in Blenheim last Saturday.
His team-mate Anton Segner crashed into him while trying to make a tackle.
It was a nasty collision, and the Highlanders confirmed Parkinson is not expected to make a playing return for up to a year.
Highlanders assistant coach Clarke Dermody was unavailable for comment yesterday, but issued a brief statement.
“I feel for Pari. He has worked hard to get in to good shape after a couple of injury setbacks recently — his form for Tasman has been outstanding and he certainly looked set for a big season with us,” Dermody said.
‘‘We will work closely with him during his rehab and make sure he comes back strong and ready to go in 2023.”
Parkinson joins a growing list of injured which includes loose forward Billy Harman (shoulder) and winger Jona Nareki (knee).
It is hoped Harmon will return for the back half of the Highlander’s season, while Nareki is gone for the season.
The loss of Parkinson is a major blow. The 2.04m second rower is a huge man with a hulking frame and his presence in the defensive line will be missed almost as much as his absence in the lineout.
The team is used to operating without him, however. He had an ankle injury which kept him sideline for a period and he has had other stints out of the game.
The Highlanders still have a good stock of locks in Josh Dickson, Bryn Evans, and Manaaki Selby-Rickit.
But the franchise will need to find a replacement for Parkinson. Otago lock Fabian Holland is a raw 19-year-old, but has a lot of upsides and might be an option.
He is more than 2m tall, very athletic and has impressed in his outings for Otago.
