All Blacks confirm shoulder surgery for injured captain Ardie Savea

All Blacks captain Ardie Savea faces an uncertain return to rugby this season after it was confirmed the All Blacks captain will need surgery on his injured shoulder. Savea dislocated his shoulder <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/06/saveas-injury-adds-to-all-blacks-woes-after-defeat-to-boks/">during the All Blacks 29-24 loss</a> to the Springboks on the greatest rivalry tour in South Africa. It was confirmed by the All Blacks today that the loose forward would need surgery on his shoulder, with a timeframe for his recovery not expected to become clear until after the surgery.