All Blacks Halfbacks Roigard, Hotham Out For Rugby Championship Tests

All Blacks halfback Cameron Roigard has been ruled out of at least the first two Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina due to a stress fracture in his right foot sustained during the recent France series. This injury compounds New Zealand's halfback crisis, with Noah Hotham already sidelined for up to eight weeks due to a high ankle sprain requiring surgery. Coach Scott Robertson is expected to name a 36-man squad soon, likely including Finlay Christie as cover, with uncapped Kyle Preston also a possible call-up. Roigard's recovery will be reassessed in two weeks, but the typical six to eight weeks needed for such an injury means he might miss upcoming Tests against the Springboks in September. The injury list also includes key players like tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax, winger Caleb Clarke, and loose forward Luke Jacobson, adding further challenges for the All Blacks ahead of the campaign. Roigard has quickly become a vital player following Aaron Smith's retirement, making his absence a significant blow for New Zealand's Rugby Championship hopes.