All Black halfback Hotham ruled out for rest of Rugby Championship

Noah Hotham is the latest All Black halfback to join the injury ward with the team confirming that he will miss the rest of the Rugby Championship campaign.

Having just returned from a high ankle sprain suffered against France, Hotham suffered a fractured fibula early against the Springboks in a low tackle on lock Lood de Jager.

The All Black No.9 underwent surgery on Monday which will sideline him for at least the remainder of the campaign which features two Tests against the Wallabies.

Kolbe on retaining the Freedom Cup

Kolbe on retaining the Freedom Cup

Hotham’s injury adds to the halfback woes that has seen Cam Roigard ruled out with a stress fracture while Cortez Ratima suffered a broken rib against Argentina.

As a result Finaly Christie and Kyle Preston were drafted into the All Blacks squad, both of whom played against the Springboks a fortnight ago at Eden Park.

With the Rugby Championship heading into a bye week, Robertson was optimistic both Roigard and Ratima might be fit in time for the Bledisloe series.