New Zealand rugby captain Scott Barrett has been ruled out for up to five months due to a back injury that will require surgery, meaning he will miss the four-Test tour of South Africa. Crusaders coach Rob Penney confirmed the news, stating that Barrett would undergo surgery by the end of the week.
Barrett had taken a sabbatical earlier this year to overcome persistent lower leg injuries and had planned to return to playing in April before being frustrated by his back flaring up. According to Penney, Barrett was in great shape and had come back very excited, but unfortunately, his back injury has now put him out of action.
Impact on the All Blacks
The loss of Barrett is a significant blow to the All Blacks, who are set to face the Springboks in the Nations Championship Tests in July, followed by an eight-match tour of South Africa in August and September. Barrett will also miss the home Nations Championship Tests against France, Italy, and Ireland in July.
The 32-year-old’s future role with the All Blacks was already in question after Scott Robertson was fired as head coach in January. With Dave Rennie named as New Zealand’s head coach in March, many former players have suggested that Barrett’s captaincy and starting position are under threat. Flanker Ardie Savea, hooker Codie Taylor, and Barrett’s brother and centre Jordie have been touted as captaincy candidates.
Captaincy Decision
Rennie has said that he has called upon former players and an NBA star to advise on the captaincy decision. Richie McCaw and Dan Carter are among those who have been consulted. Rennie will name his first All Blacks squad for the Nations Championship Tests on 22 June, leaving the new coach with just over a year to prepare for the next World Cup in Australia.
Other players who will be missing from action include All Blacks wing Will Jordan, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Super Rugby season with a calf injury. However, Jordan is expected to be fit for the July Tests.
- Barrett will undergo surgery by the end of the week
- He will miss the four-Test tour of South Africa
- Barrett’s future role with the All Blacks is under question
- Rennie will name his first All Blacks squad on 22 June
