All Blacks coach Ian Foster has announced prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi has temporarily withdrawn from the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship squad.
A neck injury, sustained during the third Test of the Steinlager Series in Wellington, means the 47-Test prop will remain in New Zealand when the squad travels to play two Tests in South Africa.
The 30-year-old will continue to work on his recovery, with a goal of returning when the All Blacks meet Argentina in Christchurch next month.
Foster has today called in Crusaders prop Fletcher Newell as a replacement player for the South African tour.
The 22-year-old has been rewarded for his strong performances at Super Rugby level, as well as his strong showings for Canterbury at provincial level.
Tu’ungafasi joins the list of All Blacks who will not travel to South Africa, which includes Brodie Retallick, Jack Goodhue and Nepo Laulala.
