Rugby: Schwalger forced out of Wellington team

Prop John Schwalger has withdrawn from the Wellington rugby team set to defend the Ranfurly Shield for the first time against Tasman tomorrow.

Schwalger has suffered a recurrence of a shoulder injury sustained when Wellington beat Auckland 27-0 last weekend to win the shield for the first time in 26 years.

His place at tighthead prop for the match Air NZ Cup in Wellington has been taken by Tim Fairbrother, with Arden David-Perrot named on the reserves bench.

- NZPA