Caleb Clarke ruled out of South Africa tour after shoulder surgery confirms third All Blacks injury

Caleb Clarke’s involvement in New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour is over after the All Blacks confirmed on Saturday that the 27-year-old winger suffered a ruptured tendon in his shoulder during the 54-0 victory over the Sharks in Durban earlier this week. Surgery will be required, though a return timeline cannot be established until the procedure is complete.

Clarke played all 80 minutes of the Durban fixture, making the injury’s severity all the more striking. He becomes the third All Blacks player to withdraw from the tour, following hooker George Bell (calf) and centre Billy Proctor (shoulder).

Head coach Dave Rennie confirmed that, unlike the previous two withdrawals, Clarke will not be replaced in the touring squad. “We are comfortable with the outside backs cover we have at the moment, so will not be bringing another squad member in to replace Caleb unless further injuries necessitate it,” Rennie said.

Rennie paid tribute to Clarke’s broader contribution to the group. “We are all feeling for Caleb and really sorry to see his Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour come to an early end. He’s an important member of our group, both on and off-field, so we look forward to him making a full recovery.”

The 35-Test winger has been a fixture in the All Blacks’ matchday 23 in recent seasons. Rennie named him as his starting left winger for his first Test in charge in July, and Clarke made a notable impact off the bench against Ireland, producing two linebreaks in 24 minutes during the Nations Championship block.

Clarke himself struck a measured tone despite the setback. “I am gutted to be going home because I’ve loved my time here so much. But I am staying positive and excited about what’s ahead, so will make the most of my recovery to make sure I’m at my best when I’m ready to return to rugby.”

Bell’s departure earlier in the tour was covered by the call-up of Bradley Slater, while Proctor’s exit opened the door for Richie Mo’unga’s long-awaited return to the All Blacks squad.