The Hurricanes, who had a bye in the opening round last weekend, kick off their season on Friday when they host Moana Pasifika, who return from victory over Fijian Drua in Lautoka.
Love joins a number of Hurricanes players on the sidelines, including All Blacks loose forward Du'Plessis Kirifi (calf), winger Kini Naholo (knee) and lock Isaia Walker-Leawere (calf).
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw named Warner Deans, the Japan co-captain and lock, in the starting 15 for his Hurricanes debut.