All Blacks forward Sititi ruled out of France series

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Autumn International - England v New Zealand - Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London, Britain - November 2, 2024 New Zealand's Wallace Sititi in action with England's Ollie Lawrence Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs/File Photo REUTERS

UPDATED Jun 26, 2025, 01:30 PM

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All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi is to undergo surgery on an ankle injury and will miss the three-test series against France in July, the team said on Thursday.

The 22-year-old number eight, who was World Rugby's Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2024, will be replaced in the squad by Christian Lio-Willie.

Lio-Willie, who is uncapped, was already with the squad as injury cover for Luke Jacobson so openside flanker Dalton Papali'i has now been called up to fill that role.

New Zealand host France in the opening test in Dunedin on July 5 before further clashes in Wellington and Hamilton on the following weekends. REUTERS

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