New Zealand’s rugby faithful have been dealt a devastating blow with captain Scott Barrett sidelined for up to five months following back surgery, ruling him out of the blockbuster Springbok series that’s set to define 2025.
Canterbury Crusaders coach Rob Penney delivered the hammer blow on Wednesday in Christchurch, confirming that Barrett will go under the knife by week’s end after exhausting every non-invasive treatment option available.
“He has tried every non-invasive trick you could do to get right and it just hasn’t come off, so he’ll be in the operating theatre by the end of the week,” Penney told reporters.
The timing couldn’t be worse for the All Blacks skipper, who had taken a sabbatical and planned a triumphant return to the pitch in April. Instead, Barrett now faces an agonising spell on the sidelines whilst his teammates prepare for what many are calling the most anticipated tour in modern rugby history.
“He’s got his head around it now. It’s a pretty special trip to South Africa that he’s going to miss and some other bits and pieces,” Penney said. “Ultimately, he’s just got to get himself right.”
Missing rugby’s greatest rivalry
Barrett’s absence will be felt most acutely during New Zealand’s mammoth eight-match tour of South Africa in August and September. The centrepiece of that expedition? Four Tests against the reigning world champion Springboks in what’s been dubbed “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry”.
Before that, the towering lock will also miss the Nations Championship fixtures against France, Italy and Ireland scheduled for July, matches that were meant to serve as vital preparation for the South African assignment.
The loss of Barrett robs the All Blacks of their on-field general at precisely the wrong moment. The second-row forward has been instrumental in New Zealand’s leadership group, and his absence will force selectors to reshuffle both the pack and the captaincy structure heading into the most challenging fixture list of the international calendar.
Crusaders hit by double injury blow
The Crusaders are reeling from a double setback, with All Blacks wing Will Jordan also ruled out for the remainder of the Super Rugby season after suffering a calf injury. However, there’s a silver lining for Jordan, he’s expected to recover in time for the July Test window, potentially providing some much-needed continuity in the back three.
Jordan’s finishing prowess will be crucial come July, particularly with the All Blacks needing to find their rhythm before confronting the Springboks on South African soil, traditionally one of the toughest assignments in world rugby.
As Barrett begins his recovery journey, all eyes will turn to how the All Blacks coaching staff manage this leadership void ahead of what promises to be a season-defining tour.
