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Sport Nation
Blues dealt injury blow with All Blacks lock Darry ruled out for Super Rugby Pacific season
Sport Nation • February 5th, 2025 2:00 pm
The Blues have copped a major pre-season injury blow, with All Blacks lock Sam Darry ruled out for the entirety of the team's Super Rugby Pacific title defence.
On Wednesday, coach Vern Cotter confirmed Darry's right-shoulder injury requires surgery, which will sideline the second-rower for five months.
The 24-year-old's recovery timeframe should see him available for the All Blacks' July Test series against France, which marks the beginning of the international season.
Sam Darry I Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
"It's really unfortunate for Sam," said Cotter. "We'll miss him.
Cotter suggested North Harbour lock Tristyn Cook as a potential replacement to pack down alongside skipper Patrick Tuipulotu.
"There's an opportunity for him to step up now. One down and another one can hopefully step up and do the job."
Laghlan McWhannell, Cameron Christie, and Josh Beehre are the other locking options in the Blues squad this year.
Christchurch native Darry was a revelation for the Super Rugby champion Blues in 2024, form which he carried through to the Test stage with six impressive outings for Scott Robertson's All Blacks.
