Chiefs rule out All Blacks winger Leroy Carter ahead of qualifying final against Reds

Thursday, 4 June 2026

The Aotearoa Rugby Pod crew picks the winners from the Hurricanes v Brumbies, Crusaders v Blues and Chiefs v Reds Super Rugby playoff games.

All Blacks winger Leroy Carter has been ruled out of the Chiefs’ qualifying final against the Reds with a hamstring injury.

Carter was listed to return via the bench ahead of Saturday night’s clash in Hamilton.

However, the Chiefs withdrew the 27-year-old from their 23 on Thursday. A spokesperson said he hadn’t fully recovered from his injury.

Lalakai Foketi was summoned to the bench in his place for the first week of the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs.

Carter hasn’t played since the Chiefs beat the Fijian Drua 42-22 in Christchurch’s Super Round in April.

The former All Blacks Sevens player was brilliant last season and was called into Scott Robertson’s All Blacks squad, playing six tests.

While Carter could return if the Chiefs were to make next weekend’s semifinals, coach Jono Gibbes has been shorn of outside backs ahead of the playoffs.

Another All Blacks winger, Emoni Narawa, has been ruled out for the season with a foot injury, as has fullback Etene Nanai-Seturo.

Their starting back three on Saturday will be Isaac Hutchinson and Liam Coombes-Fabling and Kyren Taumoefolau on the right and left wings respectively.

The Chiefs finished second in the regular season and are seeking their first title since 2013.