Wallace Sititi set to miss Super Rugby 2025 season

Waikato Chiefs loose forward Wallace Sititi is set to sit out most, if not all, of the Super Rugby season in 2025 due to a knee injury.

The number 8 dominated the 2024 season by claiming the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year and All Blacks Player of the Year awards.

He sustained the injury during the recent northern tour and is awaiting a final surgical assessment.

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan told the media the number 8 could miss a significant chunk of the Super Rugby season.

Sititi had an exceptional 2024 campaign, transforming from a Super Rugby rookie, who initially hoped to play just one game, into a key player for the All Blacks.

He made his test debut against Fiji in San Diego and showcased his powerful ball-carrying and high work rate throughout the Rugby Championship and northern tour, playing every minute of all five matches against Japan, England, Ireland, France, and Italy.

The Chiefs are already preparing to start their season without Japan-bound Shaun Stevenson for the first three games, facing a challenging opening schedule.

They will begin their campaign against the Blues at Eden Park on 15 February, followed by home fixtures against the Crusaders and Brumbies.

To fill the gap left by Sititi, the team will rely on fellow All Blacks Luke Jacobson and Samipeni Finau.

New signing Jahrome Brown and emerging talent Malachi Wrampling could see increased opportunities.