Rugby: Slater called into All Blacks following injury

All Blacks Media Team

Photo by LDV Photography

All Blacks hooker, George Bell, will return home from South Africa after suffering a calf strain during training in Cape Town on Sunday.

Bell's return to play is expected to be four to six weeks, so he will return to New Zealand to rehabilitate.

Taranaki and Blues hooker Bradley Slater has been called into the squad and is due to arrive on Wednesday.

"We are all gutted for George, to be ruled out of the tour so early," All Blacks Head Coach Dave Rennie said.

“He’s had a frustrating past few months with injury, so it’s a real blow for him to have injured his calf again. We look forward to seeing him return via the NPC and put himself in a position to push for All Blacks selection later in the year.”

Bradley Slater biography

Skilful 27-year-old Taranaki and Blues hooker Bradley Slater (Born 23 September 1998) comes from outstanding rugby pedigree: his father Andy is a Taranaki rugby legend and uncle Gordon played six matches for the All Blacks, including three Tests, in 1997 and 2000. 

Bradley made a name for himself at New Plymouth Boys’ High School as both a rugby player and a cricketer, playing for the school’s First XV and First XI. 

He made the New Zealand Schools team and the Chiefs side in 2019, playing more than 60 games for the Super side through to 2025, before transferring to the Blues.

He continued his rise in rugby, earning selection for the All Blacks XV in 2024 and 2025.