All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi has been ruled out of the upcoming France series due to an ankle injury.
The 22-year-old was the find of 2024, named World Rugby’s breakthrough player of the year after leading the Chiefs to the Super Rugby Pacific final and earning 10 caps for the All Blacks in his debut season.
Sititi was one of only five loose forwards selected in the 33-man squad on Monday, but following an assessment on Wednesday night regarding his high ankle injury, it has been determined he will require surgery.
In a statement, New Zealand Rugby says a further medical assessment will be made in three weeks to determine his likely return to play.
Forced into an immediate change nine days out from the first test, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has elected Christian Lio-Willie to replace Sititi.
The Crusaders No.8 was already with the squad as injury cover for Luke Jacobson, who is under concussion protocols after suffering a head knock during the Chiefs’ Super Rugby Pacific final loss to the Crusaders last Saturday.
The All Blacks will take on France in the first game of their 3 test match series at 7.05pm next Saturday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
