All Blacks captain and Crusaders lock Scott Barrett will undergo back surgery at the end of this week, ruling him out of rugby for up to five months, according to New Zealand Rugby officials.
The 32-year-old veteran has been struggling with a back injury that has required surgical intervention. The procedure is scheduled for the coming days, and recovery is expected to take four to five months.
This is a significant blow for the All Blacks as they prepare for the 2026 international season, including the Rugby Championship. Barrett has been a key figure in the squad, captaining the side since 2024.
New Zealand Rugby has not yet named a replacement captain for the upcoming fixtures. The Crusaders will also be without their leader for the remainder of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
