Overview
- New Zealand Rugby published a full injury update on Monday, September 21, 2026, confirming Ardie Savea will have shoulder surgery and several squad members face weeks-to-months out of action.
- All Blacks captain Ardie Savea is expected to miss the two October Bledisloe Cup Tests and is unlikely to play again in 2026 after surgery, while flanker Luke Jacobson has had elbow surgery and will be sidelined for the rest of the year.
- Wing Caleb Clarke has a ruptured shoulder tendon with an estimated five-month recovery and centre Anton Lienert-Brown and Billy Proctor each face roughly 4–6 weeks off for knee and shoulder injuries respectively.
- Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea and Anton Segner are classed as short-term injuries and are pencilled to be available for the Bledisloe Cup, and ten touring squad members have been named to return to Hilux NPC round nine to provide provincial cover.
- Savea’s surgery and Moana Pasifika’s demise have left his club future unresolved, creating selection and leadership questions for the All Blacks and potential transfer implications for Super Rugby and NPC squads.