New Zealand back-row forward Sititi ruled out of France series

New Zealand's rising back-row star Wallace Sititi was ruled out of their three-test series against France Thursday, with the No 8 forward needing surgery on an ankle injury.

The 22-year-old, World Rugby's breakthrough player-of-the-year in 2024, has been replaced in the squad by Christian Lio-Willie.

"A further medical assessment will be made in three weeks to determine his likely return to play," New Zealand Rugby said.

Sititi was the find of 2024 for New Zealand, leading the Chiefs to the Super Rugby final and becoming an automatic All Blacks pick.

Crusaders No 8 Lio-Willie was already with the squad as cover for Luke Jacobson and with his elevation, Dalton Papali'I has been called up to replace him.

New Zealand will face France in Dunedin, Wellington and Hamilton, with the first test on 5 July.