Share

McCaw to undergo surgery

Wellington - Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is to undergo surgery on his injured foot and will definitely miss the early Super 15 rounds next year, the New Zealand team doctor confirmed on Friday.

McCaw was troubled throughout this year by a screw inserted in his right foot during surgery on a stress fracture, and did not take a full part in training during the World Cup to avoid aggravating the injury.

Following the All Blacks cliff-hanger 8-7 win over France in the final last month, the 30-year-old flanker has had a scan on the foot and seen a specialist.

Team doctor Deb Robinson said it has been decided to remove the screw.

"While the initial stress fracture in his foot has partially healed, the scan revealed that there is an area of bone stress around the screw," Robinson said.

"The best option for him is to have surgery to have the screw removed. He will also have some bone grafting done and then his foot will be left alone to heal."

The All Blacks talisman will have the operation later this month and Robinson said no timeline had been set for his return to rugby.

"Following the surgery, Richie will be in plaster for two weeks and then a moonboot for a month. After around 10 to 12 weeks he will be able to start running and then will gradually return to rugby training," she said.

Todd Blackadder, the coach of McCaw's Canterbury Crusaders side has resigned himself to starting the next Super 15 season without his captain and his other star, flyhalf Dan Carter, who suffered a groin injury in the World Cup.

While Carter's injury was unforeseen, Blackadder said McCaw should probably not have played in the tournament at all.

"He was lucky they didn't X-ray him because it will probably have confirmed he shouldn't have been."

McCaw, who became the first All Black to play 100 Tests in the 37-17 World Cup pool victory over France, missed the first two months of the Super 15 tournament this year after having the screw inserted in his foot.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1167 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1361 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2070 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE