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All black people top five Ruben Love is out until the end of 2026 with an ankle injury.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has not named Love for the 2026 Bledisloe Cup series as he nurses a recurring ankle injury sustained during Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Hurricanes the playmaker has impressed for the All Blacks during his six Test starts in 2026, with Rennie trusting him for the big games despite the availability of the experienced Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie and Richie Mo’unga.
“Ruben Love will undergo surgery after sustaining an ankle ligament injury which will rule him out for the rest of the year,” the All Blacks said in a statement.
“I wish Ruben the best in his surgery and recovery.”
The devastating news was exclusively published on Sky Sports to show The Breakdownon Sunday night.
“In huge news for the All Blacks, we can reveal exclusively on The Breakdown that our All Blacks first-five, the man who has worn the number 10 jersey for most of the Tests this year, Ruben Love has picked up an ankle injury in South Africa.
“He needs an operation and will be out for the rest of the year. So no more All Black Rugby in the 10 jersey for Ruben Love. Devastating news for him and a shame given his time.”
Former All Black first-five and current Waikato assistant coach Aaron Cruden is feeling the love.
“I’m devastated for Rube, because he’s earned it the way he’s played and held his own through Super Rugby,” Cruden said.
“What a test to go and challenge myself against the world champions in South Africa. So yeah, I think we’re all just thinking about Ruben at the moment, hoping he’ll recover very quickly, but it’s a good opportunity for him to go away and reflect on what a year he’s had.”
Both John Afoa and Jeff Wilson shared the same sentiment, including the belief that love will return.
“Well, that’s it. He was up there South Africa against the best in the world, and he would go back to the Tests against Australia, and he would cash in and really get real confidence and then go into the World Cup year,” Afoa said.
“I’m sure he’ll be disappointed, but he’s the type of kid who still feels like he’s young enough to come back with a smile on his face.”
“It’s a shame though because he’s a player who’s already had a number of injuries in his career to date, and just when he started to build confidence in the shirt, the way he played all season, he led the Hurricanes to the title and for me it’s devastating for him because he’s had so many wins,” Wilson said. The Breakdown.
“The experience he has gained, he will have to wait longer now. He almost has to get back to this type of form again, and it won’t be easy.”