All Blacks flyer becomes third South Africa tour casualty

Caleb Clarke’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour has come to an abrupt end due to a ruptured tendon in his shoulder.

The injury was suffered during the All Blacks‘ 54-0 win over the Sharks in Durban earlier this week, a match in which Clarke played all 80 minutes.

A statement from the All Blacks on Saturday morning revealed the 27-year-old’s injury requires surgery, but a return timeline will not be known until the procedure is complete.

The 35-Test flyer has been a constant presence in the All Blacks’ matchday 23 in recent seasons, but becomes the team’s third injury withdrawal of the tour, after George Bell (calf) and Billy Proctor (shoulder).

While Bell was replaced by Bradley Slater and Proctor’s departure made way for Richie Mo’unga’s long-awaited return to the All Blacks, head coach Dave Rennie has revealed that he and his selectors won’t be calling on an injury replacement for Clarke.

“We are comfortable with the outside backs cover we have at the moment, so will not be bringing another squad member in to replace Caleb unless further injuries necessitate it,” Rennie said.

“We are all feeling for Caleb and really sorry to see his Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour come to an early end. He’s an important member of our group, both on and off-field, so we look forward to him making a full recovery.”

Clarke had been Rennie’s starting left winger in his first Test at the All Blacks’ helm in July, and while the coach rotated his selections throughout the Nations Championship block, he got another chance to play off the bench against Ireland and made a big impact with two linebreaks in his 24 minutes.

Clarke said: “I am gutted to be going home because I’ve loved my time here so much. But I am staying positive and excited about what’s ahead, so will make the most of my recovery to make sure I’m at my best when I’m ready to return to rugby.”