New Zealand’s preparation for the pending 2025 Rugby Championship have suffered yet another blow with a first-choice halfback ruled out through injury.

Cameron Roigard is not available for at least the two Tests in Argentina, New Zealand Rugby announced Sunday, with the scrumhalf joining a worrying injury list ahead of the Rugby Championship.

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Roigard suffered a stress fracture to his foot while playing in last month’s 3-0 home series sweep of an under-strength France.

Scan results confirmed he won’t be fit for Tests against the Pumas in Cordoba on 16 August and Buenos Aires a week later, robbing New Zealand of a robust halfback who has emerged as a key player under coach Scott Robertson.

The 24-year-old’s availability for two home Tests against South Africa in September remains unclear.

Robertson will need to dig into his scrumhalf depth when naming a 36-man squad on Monday to travel to Argentina. Noah Hotham was already ruled out with an ankle injury, leaving only Cortez Ratima available from the three scrumhalves involved in the France series.

Robertson may consider a recall for 23-cap scrumhalf Finlay Christie, whose last Test was more than a year ago against England. Another candidate is Highlanders scrumfeeder Folau Fakatava, who made two bench appearances against Ireland in 2022.

Robertson had previously said first-choice prop Tyrel Lomax and winger Caleb Clarke will miss the Argentina Tests as they recuperate from injury, along with Hotham and loose forward Luke Jacobson.

Captain Scott Barrett is likely to be included after missing the last two French Tests with a calf injury.

Beauden Barrett is also expected to be available after shaking off an injury, along with key forwards Tupou Vaa’i, Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams.

© Agence France-Presse

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