Ruben Love Ruled Out of All Blacks Tests for Remainder of 2026
All Blacks fly-half Ruben Love will miss the remainder of the 2026 international season after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in South Africa that requires surgery, planetrugby.com reported. The Hurricanes star, who debuted in October 2024 under former head coach Scott Robertson, started six Tests in the number 10 jersey during his breakout 2026 campaign. All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie confirmed the setback, stating that Love had been managing the joint for much of the domestic season. “He sort of nursed it a little bit through Super Rugby.”
The injury sidelines Love for the upcoming Bledisloe Cup series against Australia and the end-of-year Nations Championship Tests in Europe. planetrugby.com reported that Sky Sport NZ broadcaster Kirsty Stanaway first broke the news on the program The Breakdown, calling the development devastating for a player who recently guided the Hurricanes to their first Super Rugby Pacific title in a decade. Former All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden expressed dismay over the timing, noting that Love earned his spot through consistent performances during the domestic competition. Legendary winger Jeff Wilson added that the 25-year-old playmaker now faces a difficult road to regain his peak form ahead of future international fixtures.
To cover the vacancy at fly-half, Dave Rennie named Richie Mo’unga and Josh Jacomb in the 34-player squad for the Bledisloe Cup, with Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett providing further tactical options in the outside backs and the 10 jersey. John Afoa noted that the injured playmaker would have capitalized on his recent experience against the world champions in South Africa to build lasting confidence. The All Blacks open the Bledisloe Cup series against the Wallabies on October 10, 2026, at Eden Park in Auckland, followed by the second fixture on October 17, 2026, at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ruben Love’s Injury
Which matches will Ruben Love miss due to his ankle surgery?
Ruben Love will miss both Bledisloe Cup Test matches against Australia and the end-of-year Nations Championship Tests in Europe. The fixtures include the October 10 match at Eden Park and the October 17 clash at Accor Stadium in Sydney.
Who has Dave Rennie selected to replace Ruben Love in the squad?
Dave Rennie named Richie Mo’unga and Josh Jacomb as specialist first five-eighths in the 34-player squad. Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett are also named as outside backs who can cover the number 10 position.
New Zealand v Australia, 10 October 2026 at Eden Park, Auckland
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