Flanker Anton Segner has been ruled out of the rest of New Zealand's rugby tour of South Africa after undergoing ankle surgery, All Blacks coach Dave Rennie announced on August 26, 2026. The German-born Segner was withdrawn late from the match-day squad for the first test at Ellis Park due to a swollen ankle, later diagnosed as acute inflammatory arthritis.

Rennie revealed that Segner required keyhole surgery to clean the ankle. "He'll come with us to Cape Town but he won't take part in the rest of the tour," Rennie told reporters following the All Blacks' 41-35 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park.

Despite Segner's absence, Rennie stated no replacements would be called up, believing the squad has sufficient loose forwards to cover the remaining three tests scheduled in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Baltimore.

The All Blacks remain unbeaten on this tour, having secured wins over four provincial teams and notably upsetting the Springboks 33-16 at Ellis Park.

Sources