Shoulder Fracture Ends Billy Proctor’s South African Tour
All Blacks center Billy Proctor will return to New Zealand after sustaining a shoulder blade fracture during a match against the Stormers. The injury, which requires a three-month recovery period, has prompted speculation regarding a potential recall for Richie Mo’unga.
Key takeaways
- Billy Proctor is returning to New Zealand after sustaining a shoulder blade fracture in Cape Town.
- The injury does not require surgery but carries a recovery timeline of 10 to 12 weeks.
- Coach Dave Rennie has yet to officially name a replacement, though Richie Mo’unga is a primary candidate.
What Happened
All Blacks outside center Billy Proctor has been ruled out of the remainder of the South African tour following a 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town. The 27-year-old sustained a shoulder blade fracture early in the second half of the match at DHL Stadium and was replaced by Caleb Clarke. Official scans confirmed the extent of the injury, and while the Hurricanes midfielder will not require surgery, he faces a recovery period of 10 to 12 weeks. Proctor is scheduled to return to New Zealand later this week.
Background
Proctor is the second player to be forced out of the 44-man touring squad due to injury. He follows Crusaders hooker George Bell, who returned home last week after suffering a calf injury during a training session. The match against the Stormers marked Proctor’s first non-Test appearance for the national side since his 2024 debut against Fiji. His most recent Test appearance occurred in a Nations Championship match against Italy in Wellington.
What Happens Next
Head coach Dave Rennie has not yet named a replacement for the vacated squad position. Discussion has centered on Richie Mo’unga, who recently became eligible for selection after appearing for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship following his return from Japan. Mo’unga recently contributed to Canterbury’s Ranfurly Shield win over Otago. Another potential candidate is Du’Plessis Kirifi, who demonstrated positional versatility by playing inside center for Wellington despite typically occupying the openside flank. The All Blacks are scheduled to face the Sharks at Kings Park on Tuesday, followed by a match against the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday.
Key Facts
- Billy Proctor suffered a fractured shoulder blade during the match against the Stormers in Cape Town.
- The injury requires 10 to 12 weeks of recovery but does not necessitate surgery.
- Proctor is the second All Black to exit the South African tour, joining hooker George Bell.
- The All Blacks have two remaining fixtures on the tour against the Sharks and the Vodacom Bulls.
- Potential replacements include fly-half Richie Mo’unga and hybrid player Du’Plessis Kirifi.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
Related stories
Luke Jacobson Named Captain for All Blacks Clash Against Sharks in Durban
Springboks Monitor Kolisi After Hamstring Injury in Victory Over Argentina
St Kilda Defender Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera Forced Out with Hamstring Injury
