All Blacks lock Tupou Vaa’i suggests his season is over due to knee injury

Tupou Vaa'i expects he will miss the rest of the 2025 season. Photo / Photosport

Tupou Vaa’i is not hopeful of a return to rugby in 2025.

The 25-year-old was a late withdrawal from the All Blacks’ test against the Wallabies in Perth on Saturday after taking a knock to his knee in training on Thursday.

It was a setback in what had so far been a strong year for Vaa’i. Arguably the form lock of the Super Rugby Pacific season in yet another runners-up finish with the Chiefs, the versatile forward had made his presence felt for the All Blacks both at lock and in an experimental shift to blindside flanker.

However, he announced on Instagram that it was unlikely he would play again this year after he was found to have torn his meniscus.

“As much as I want to go to war for my country, our man above has other plans,” Vaa’i said.

“I’m pretty sure my footy for 2025 is done. Time to spend time with family and to get better for Super season 2026.

“Tore my meniscus, which I don’t know how long my recovery will take ... Love you all.”

Vaa’i’s setback was another blow to the All Blacks’ stocks after starting tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax suffered a broken thumb in the win over the Wallabies at Eden Park last week. That injury is expected to require surgery and end his season.

Caleb Clarke (ankle), Beauden Barrett (shoulder), Ethan de Groot (concussion), Ollie Norris (back), Emoni Narawa (rib fracture) and Timoci Tavatavanawai (fractured radius) were also unavailable for the win in Perth.

While Vaa’i did not specify if he required surgery or not, a torn meniscus can take anywhere from four to eight weeks to recover if surgery is not required. The recovery period is likely to be significantly longer should an operation be required to repair it.

Fabian Holland returned to the starting line-up to partner captain Scott Barrett at lock in Vaa’i absence, continuing his strong form in his maiden season in the black jersey.

The All Blacks now have a month before their next test, with a clash against Ireland at Chicago’s Soldier Field on November 2 kicking off their northern tour.

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.