All Black forward ruled out of RGR tour
INJURY UPDATE: The All Blacks suffered an injury setback ahead of their Greatest Rivalry tour opener clash against the Stormers on August 7.
Hooker George Bell has returned home from South Africa after suffering a calf strain while training in Cape Town, the All Blacks announced on Tuesday.
*Also read: ‘This isn’t a charity’: Simon Parker’s take on RGR opener against Stormers
Bell is expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks, ruling him out of the All Blacks tour of South Africa, which ends on September 12.
“We are all gutted for George, to be ruled out of the tour so early,” head coach Dave Rennie said.
“He’s had a frustrating past few months with injury, so it’s a real blow for him to have injured his calf again.
“We look forward to seeing him return [for his club] and put himself in a position to push for All Blacks selection later in the year.”
Taranaki and Blues hooker Bradley Slater, 27, has been called up to replace Bell, and is expected to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday.
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