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international
New Zealand Rugby has released injury timescales several times All black people after a busy tour of South Africa, while some players from the extended squad return in round nine Hilux NPC competition.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea will miss the team’s two Bledisloe Cup matches against the Wallabies with the veteran set to undergo surgery on a dislocated shoulder in the coming weeks.
Savea’s timeline is unclear, but the All Black’s loose return in 2026 appears unlikely.
Bosses and All Blacks No.7 Luke Jacosbon, who was an obvious candidate to captain the All Blacks while Savea is sidelined, will not feature again in 2026, following elbow surgery.
Caleb Clarke, as announced Sky Sport on Sunday afternoon, he will be out until the second round Super Rugby Pacific season, with a shoulder tendon problem.
Hurricanes center Billy Proctor will be in contention for selection in the All Blacks squad for the 2026 end-of-year tour, with his return to action set for 4-6 weeks after breaking his shoulder blade ahead of the first Test against the Springboks.
Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea and Anton Segner have all been ruled short-term injuries, and all three will return for the Bledisloe Cup games, barring any setbacks.
The ten players who were part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry will return to their respective Hilux NPC franchises for round nine. Chief Bailiff Simon Parker is ready to gear up Northland for their Saturday afternoon Ranfurly Shield clash against Counties Manukau, while Jamie Hannah and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa will feature for Canterbury and Southland respectively.
Bay of Plenty depth will have the services of Fehi Fineanganofo, Emoni Narawa and Pasilio Tosi ahead of their trip to Nelson to take over Tasman on Thursday night. The hosts will have Noah Hotham and Timoci Tavatavanawai in their 23-man squad, having only played a handful of times for the All Blacks in South Africa.
Installments, if deemed appropriate, will occur for Waikato v. Wellington, Doc Taranaki they have the option to select Josh Lord against Hawke’s Bay in Napier.
Injury news:
Ten members of the All Blacks squad for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry suffered injuries during the tour. Below is updated information on the status of those injuries (sstatus as of September 21, 2026; return dates remain subject to medical clearance):
- Anton Lienert-Brown: Knee injury (MCL). Probably back to play 4-6 weeks.
- Ardie Savea: Dislocated shoulder; will require surgery. Return to play will likely be determined after surgery.
- Luke Jacobson: Elbow tendon injury; was operated on. Likely back in the game in 4-5 months.
- Quinn Tuape: Knee injury (MCL). Probably back to play in 1-2 weeks.
- Anton Segner: Inflammation of the ankle joint. Probably back to play in 1-2 weeks.
- Cortez Ratima: Knee injury (PCL). Probably back in the game in 1-2 weeks.
- Billy Proctor: Broken shoulder blade. Probably back to play in 4-6 weeks.
- Caleb Clarke: Torn shoulder tendon. Will probably be back in 5 months.
- Ollie Norris: Knee cartilage injury. He will probably be back to play Super Rugby pre-season.
- George Bell: Calf injury. He returned to play in NPC.
