All Blacks No.10 picture shifts as Ruben Love set for surgery

All Blacks first-five Ruben Love has been ruled out for the remainder of 2026 after sustaining an ankle ligament injury that requires surgery. The Hurricanes playmaker suffered the injury in South Africa after starting six Tests for New Zealand earlier in the year. Consequently, head coach Dave Rennie did not name Love in the squad for the 2026 Bledisloe Cup series against Australia.

Love had earned the starting number 10 role ahead of experienced options including Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, and Richie Mo'unga. Former All Blacks Aaron Cruden, John Afoa, and Jeff Wilson expressed sympathy for Love on Sky Sport's The Breakdown, highlighting his strong performances throughout Super Rugby Pacific and his development during the international season.