All Blacks lock Scott Barrett ruled out for up to five months

The All Blacks will start their 2026 season with a new captain.

Scott Barrett has been ruled out of rugby for up to five months, meaning he will miss the start of the All Blacks season.

This will include the start of the Nations Championships and the historic tour to South Africa.

Barrett's troubled back, which has kept him from playing for the Crusaders so far this year, now requires surgery as reported by 1News.

Crusaders coach Rob Penney told 1News that it had been a frustrating time for Barrett.

"He's tried every non-invasive trick you can do to get right and it just hasn't come off so he'll be in the operating theatre by the end of the week."

The 88-test veteran opted for a non-playing sabbatical this Super Rugby season, but was set to return for the tail end of the competition.

Captain of the All Black under Scott Robertson's tenure, new coach Dave Rennie will now need to select a new captain to kick off his era.

Calls for a new leader have been growing in the past 12 months, with Ardie Savea and Codie Taylor touted as suitable candidates.

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