A key and experienced New Zealand midfielder has been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Chiefs centre Anton Lienert-Brown confirmed on social media that he broke his collarbone against the Force last week.

The recovery timeline of 6–12 weeks casts serious doubt over the 81-Test star’s availability for the All Blacks’ two-Test series against France in July.

Lienert-Brown’s absence further stretches the Chiefs’ midfield stocks, with Rameka Poihipi already sidelined. Head coach Clayton McMillan may look to promote youngsters like Gideon Wrampling and Daniel Rona, or shift Emoni Narawa infield once Etene Nanai-Seturo returns from injury.

Meanwhile, 1News reported that Lienert-Brown will exercise a sabbatical clause in 2026 to join Dave Rennie’s Kobe Steelers in Japan.

Photo: Hannah Peters/Getty Images