Change to All Blacks squad for Northern Tour

Patrick Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the All Blacks' Northern Tour against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales with a shoulder injury. Sam Darry will now join the squad when it assembles next week.

Tuipulotu has been assessed as needing surgery for an existing shoulder injury that had deteriorated since the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship. He is expected to be sidelined for approximately 6 months.