Patrick Tuipulotu. Photo: Photosport
A setback for the All Blacks with veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu ruled out of their end of year tour.
Tuipulotu has been forced out of the squad with a shoulder injury.
He is replaced by fellow Blues second rower Sam Darry.
Tuipulotu requires surgery for an existing shoulder injury that had deteriorated since the Rugby Championship.
He is expected to be sidelined for approximately six months which will rule him out for a significant part of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Tuipulotu was named alongside Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Josh Lord and Samipeni Finau as lock options when the squad was released on Monday.
Darry played six Tests for the All Blacks in 2024.
The All Blacks will play all four home nations on their northern tour, starting with Ireland in Chicago on 2 November.
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