All Blacks suffer Billy Proctor blow

by Matthew Wood Monday 10 August 2026

New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie

©PA

Billy Proctor has been ruled out for the remainder of the All Blacks’ South Africa tour after scans confirmed a fractured shoulder blade sustained during New Zealand’s 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.

The centre is expected to require 10 to 12 weeks of rehabilitation.

Billy Proctor Ruled Out of All Blacks Tour

Proctor started at outside centre against the Stormers but was forced from the field during the second half after suffering the injury during a ruck clean-out.

Further examinations confirmed the fractured shoulder blade, although surgery is not expected to be required. The 27-year-old will return to New Zealand and will miss the remainder of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.

The All Blacks are yet to confirm a replacement for Proctor.

All Blacks Suffer Second Tour Departure

Proctor becomes the second New Zealand player forced to return home through injury since the squad arrived in South Africa.

Hooker George Bell suffered a calf strain during training in Cape Town and was subsequently ruled out for approximately four to six weeks. Bradley Slater was called into the squad as Bell’s replacement.

Slater has been named among the replacements for the All Blacks’ next tour match against the Sharks in Durban.