Caleb Clarke ruled out of All Blacks tour after shoulder tendon rupture

What Happened

The All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke has been ruled out of the South Africa tour after scans confirmed a ruptured tendon in his shoulder. The injury occurred during the team's 54-0 win over the Sharks in Durban, and Clarke will undergo surgery. A precise timeframe for his return will be determined only after the surgery is completed. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie said no injury replacement will be called in at this stage, citing confidence in the current outside backs cover.

What Happens Next

The timeline for Clarke's return is not yet known pending surgical outcomes. The team will assess the squad’s outside backs situation in light of Clarke’s absence as the tour progresses.

Key Facts

• Caleb Clarke ruptured a tendon in his shoulder during the Durban match against the Sharks.
• The injury will require surgery, and a return-to-play timeframe will be known only after the surgery.
• All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said an injury replacement will not be called in at this point.
• The injury occurred on the South Africa tour, with Clarke having been a regular selection on the left wing.
• Clarke’s injury came during the 54-0 win over the Sharks in Durban.
• Sources note Clarke might have been in contention for the first test against the Springboks in Johannesburg before his injury.
• Clarke is the third All Blacks player ruled out of the tour due to injury, with George Bell and Billy Proctor also sidelined earlier.