Portugal Colonial - Castres' ex-All Black Papali'i ruled out for six months

NYSE - LSE

BCC	-3.64%	72.8	$
GSK	1.51%	47.315	$
RIO	-3.01%	93.09	$
RBGPF	1.8%	64.05	$
BCE	0.38%	19.825	$
CMSD	-2.79%	19.778	$
RYCEF	-1.32%	19	$
CMSC	-2.13%	19.7	$
NGG	-0.76%	76.27	$
JRI	-0.76%	10.55	$
BTI	1.72%	53.935	$
RELX	1.36%	34.5	$
VOD	1.99%	16.865	$
BP	-0.9%	44.61	$
AZN	1.59%	161.17	$

Castres' ex-All Black Papali'i ruled out for six months / Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT - AFP/File

Castres' ex-All Black Papali'i ruled out for six months

SPORTS 15.07.2026

French Top 14 club Castres said on Wednesday their former New Zealand back-rower Dalton Papali'i has been sidelined for at least six months after tearing his Achilles tendon.

Text size:

Papali'i, 28, had arrived in France earlier this summer from the Blues on a three-year deal and suffered the injury days after starting pre-season training.

"Although Dalton successfully passed all the tests required prior to his arrival, this injury occurred accidentally and is a real stroke of bad luck," the five-time French champions said.

"Our player underwent surgery on Wednesday, July 15. He will be out of action for at least 6 months.

"Everyone at Castres sends Dalton their full support and will be by his side throughout his recovery," they added.

Castres begin their new Top 14 season against newly-promoted Vannes on September 5 having finished 10th last term with 37-time All Black Papali'i set to miss at least half of the campaign.

Papali'i's compatriot Jack Goodhue, France lock Tom Staniforth and Uruguay scrum-half Santiago Arata are among the star names in Castres' squad.

V.Fontes--PC

Portugal Colonial - Castres' ex-All Black Papali'i ruled out for six months

Castres' ex-All Black Papali'i ruled out for six months

Featured

Arteta targets more Arsenal glory after signing new deal until 2030

Former Spain, Barca winger Pedro retires from football

Russell hit with Singapore grid penalty for taking new power unit

Arteta signs new Arsenal deal until 2030