Crusaders hooker George Bell has been ruled out of the All Blacks' tour of South Africa and has been replaced by Bradley Slater.
Bell was the fourth hooker named in the 44-man squad late last month.
The 24-year-old suffered a calf strain during training in Cape Town this week and will return home.
He is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks.
Taranaki and Blues hooker Bradley Slater is due to arrive in South Africa within the next 24 hours.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie says they are all gutted for Bell, who has been ruled out of the tour so early.
Bell played four Tests for New Zealand in 2024 and 2025.
Slater is the son of Taranaki rugby legend Andy Slater, while three-Test All Black Gordon Slater is his uncle.
The 27-year-old played for the Chiefs between 2019 and 2025 before moving to the Blues this year.
He represented the All Blacks XV in 2024 and 2025.
The All Blacks open their tour against the Stormers in Cape Town this Saturday at 5am. They will then face the Sharks on August 12th at 5am, the Bulls on August 16th at 5am, and the Lions on August 26 at 5am.
Their first Test against South Africa will be on August 23rd at 3am. They will then play the second Test on August 30th at 3am, followed by the third Test on September 6th at 3am, and the fourth and final Test on September 13th at 3am.
Source: RNZ Sports
