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Scott Robertson confirms Cam Roigard's return from injury
By Ned Lester
2023 breakout All Blacks star Cam Roigard is poised for a return to rugby after 150 days out with a ruptured Patella tendon.
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The 23-year-old said earlier in his recovery he was targeting a return to the field in early October with his NPC side Counties Manukau.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson this week confirmed that Roigard will hit that target this weekend.
“He [Roigard] is all lined up to play for Counties,” Robertson said.
“Everyone is really proud to go back and play for their provinces but Cam trained really well. He’s looking sharp.
“[We want him to] play a couple of good games, play good minutes and do his core role really well.”
It was in round six of the Super Rugby Pacific season when the Hurricanes star was helped form the field after an awkward, hip drop tackle against the Highlanders.
The man slated by many to succeed Aaron Smith as the All Blacks’ starting No. 9 then missed the remainder of the Hurricanes’ impressive season as well as the Steinlager Series and Rugby Championship for the All Blacks.
In his place, Cortez Ratime has announced himself as an international-level halfback after his July debut, even earning the starting spot ahead of TJ Perenara in Cape Town.
Provided Saturday’s return to the rugby field goes smoothly for Roigard, a selection in the All Blacks’ end-of-year tour squad is well within reach.
The selection would most likely come at the expense of Crusaders youngster Noah Hotham, and would also reignite an already long-running selection contest between Roigard and Ratima.
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The pair grew up in the same region and it was Ratima who was seen as the premier talent throughout age-grade rugby, forcing Roigard to leave home when NPC came knocking and resulting in his signing with Counties Manukau rather than his local Waikato.
Billy Proctor, Ethan Blackadder, Patrick Tuipulotu, Noah Hotham and Ruben Love will also return to their respective NPC teams ahead of a 36-man All Blacks squad being named on Monday, October 7.
