WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) All Blacks utility back Jordie Barrett likely will miss the remainder of the rugby season after sustaining a shoulder injury that may require surgery.
Barrett, the 20-year-old brother of All Blacks flyhalf Beauden, made this test debut against Samoa in June and started the third test against the British and Irish Lions. He was included in New Zealand's squad for the Rugby Championship and would likely have made the end-of-year tour to Britain, but that is now in doubt.
All Blacks assistant coach Ian Foster said Barrett could be sidelined for up to six months if surgery is necessary.
''While it's disappointing for him, he's probably already had a big year,'' Foster said. ''I guess he's too young an athlete to play through anything like this.''
Barrett injured his shoulder during the Hurricanes' Super Rugby semifinal against the Lions two weeks ago.
Uncapped Crusaders fullback David Havili has been added to the All Blacks' squad for the Rugby Championship which begins Aug. 19 with a match against Australia in Sydney.
''While (Havili) is a utility, he's stepped into that fullback role really well,'' Foster said. ''He's a reasonably experienced footballer now.
''He's played in a number of positions so he brings that to the table but he looks pretty settled at fullback. It's just nice to reward a player who has played his way in with form.''
