Tate McDermott to undergo surgery following hamstring injury

Wallabies scrumhalf Tate McDermott will undergo surgery on the hamstring injury he sustained in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand at Eden Park.

Scans confirmed significant damage, forcing him to the sidelines for an extended recovery period.

The 27-year-old is expected to miss the remainder of 2025, ruling him out of Australia’s Rugby Championship campaign and likely the start of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific season with the Queensland Reds.

"Scans have confirmed Tate McDermott will require surgery on a hamstring injury he suffered in Auckland," read a statement.

"He is expected to spend an extended period of time on the sideline throughout his recovery."

Head coach Joe Schmidt has turned to veteran Nic White as a training partner to help cover McDermott’s absence. White, who has previously come out of retirement twice, was described by Schmidt as the “gift that keeps on giving.”

Australia could turn to Jake Gordon, expected to regain fitness this week, or Ryan Lonergan, who stepped in for his Test debut after McDermott’s early exit in Auckland. Both are in contention for the rematch in Perth.

McDermott had finally earned a starting spot in his 50th Test for Australia but lasted only 18 minutes before being forced off.