All Blacks Lose Proctor to Shoulder Fracture on SA Tour

All Blacks centre Billy Proctor will return to New Zealand this week, ending his participation in the team's South African tour after sustaining a fractured shoulder blade during a victory over the Stormers. The injury, confirmed by the team on Sunday, rules the 27-year-old out of the remainder of the "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series, which includes four Test matches against the Springboks.

Proctor was forced from the field early in the second half of Friday's 38-21 win against the Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town. Scans revealed a significant vertical fracture in his shoulder blade. While surgery is not required, the recovery timeline of 10 to 12 weeks means he will play no further part in the tour. He is scheduled to fly home on Thursday.

"Billy unfortunately is going home. He'll go home on the same plane as George Bell," head coach Dave Rennie said at a press conference. "I'm devastated for him."

The injury is the second major setback for the touring squad. Hooker George Bell was ruled out last week after suffering a calf injury during a training session in Cape Town and was replaced by Bradley Slater. Proctor's departure leaves New Zealand with two fewer players from the...