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