A former All Blacks faces a long stint on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
French Top 14 side Castres confirmed on Wednesday that loose forward Dalton Papali’i won’t be able to play any rugby for at least six months.
The 28-year-old only joined the French Top 14 outfit from the Blues earlier this year on a three-year contract, but his European adventure has been put on hold after suffering the injury just days into pre-season training.
MORE: Barrett still out in the cold
Castres described the setback as “a real stroke of bad luck”, stressing that Papali’i had passed all of his medical assessments before arriving in France.
“Although Dalton successfully passed all the tests required prior to his arrival, this injury occurred accidentally and is a real stroke of bad luck,” the club said in a statement.
“Our player underwent surgery on Wednesday, July 15. He will be out of action for at least six months. Everyone at Castres sends Dalton their full support and will be by his side throughout his recovery.”
The injury is a major setback for both player and club, with the 37-Test All Black now set to miss at least the opening half of the 2026-27 Top 14 season.
Castres kick off their campaign against newly promoted Vannes on 5 September after finishing 10th in last season’s competition.
– AFP
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The post Ex-All Black suffers horror injury appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
A former All Blacks faces a long stint on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon.
The post Ex-All Black suffers horror injury appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
