ALL BLACKS Rrecord-breaker in Championship with 25-year-old STAR utility back

The All Blacks are concerned about the availability of standout winger Will Jordan for the next Test season.
The participation of New  Zealand playmaker will Jordan in Saturday’s match against the Springboks at Ellis Park is uncertain. Photo: Speed Media/Icon Sportswire. (Image credit: Speed Media/Icon SMI via ZUMA Press.)

In dismal news for the All Blacks and Crusaders, flyer Will Jordan will be sidelined for up to six months due to a shoulder injury.

ALSO READ: Will the  All Blacks ever travel South Africa again?

The Crusaders’ injury update not only rules Jordan out of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign and the All Blacks’ mid-year Tests, but it also puts him at risk of missing a portion of New Zealand’s Rugby Championship campaign, including a match against the Springboks in August.

The 25-year-old utility back, who was the highest try-scorer at last year’s World Cup in France with eight scores, need corrective surgery for a reoccurring ailment from the previous season.

“After assessment from the Crusaders medical team he will undergo surgery and as a result be unavailable for selection during the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season,” according to a statement released by the Crusaders.

ALSO READ | All Blacks’ 2024 Test schedule resembles a world tour itinerary.

Jordan is anticipated to return in “approximately six months”, according to the Crusaders, which means he will miss the All Blacks’ two home Tests against England and one against Fiji in San Diego in July.

The Springboks are set to play the All Blacks at Ellis Park on August 31 and Cape Town a week later, putting Jordan — who has 31 tries in as many Test appearances — in a race against time to be fit for two marquee matches in South Africa.

ALSO READ | Springboks take on Australia tour, host All Blacks

ALL BLACKS STAR WILL JORDAN VS. ARGENTINA

Will Jordan (R) of the All Blacks is tackled by Pablo Matera of the Pumas during the Round 4 Rugby Championship match between Argentina and New Zealand at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Australia, on September 18, 2021. Photo: EPA/Darren England.