JORDIE BARRETT has been ruled out of New Zealand’s clash against Italy.
The 27-year-old is set to join Leinster on a short-term deal at the end of the Nations Series.
But he has been ruled out due another knee injury after the All Blacks defeat to France last weekend.
The utility back left the Stade de France pitch injured on 39 minutes during their 30-29 loss in the French capital.
All Black officials didn’t reveal much about the injury but did say he was “unavailable due to injury” for the match against ‘The Azzurri’.
His omission from the team will come as major concern to Leinster and Leo Cullen after a knee injury had him sidelined last month.
The All Blacks talisman was pictured wearing a knee brace at Sydney Airport New Zealand’s 31-28 win over Australia in September.
Hey was subsequently ruled out until All Black’s test vs England earlier this month before he played in the Ireland and France test clashes.
He will join Leo Cullen’s men at the end of November on a six-month deal in a major statement of intent as they seek to get their hands on the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.
Meanwhile, Sam Prendergast is set to start for Ireland against Fiji as Andy Farrell named a much-changed team for Saturday’s Aviva Stadium clash.
Head coach Andy Farrell named his panel for the game on Thursday afternoon, with Prendergast one of seven changes to the team that beat Argentina.
The Leinster out-half, 21, comes into the starting XV for Jack Crowley, who drops out of the matchday 23 and Ciaran Frawley returning to the bench.
Prendergast is partnered by Craig Casey at scrum-half, with Jamison Gibson-Park also dropping out of the matchday 23.
Jamie Osborne starts at full-back while Bundee Aki returns to centre to partner Robbie Henshaw, and Jacob Stockdale starts on the wing.
Farrell has named two uncapped players in the starting XV with Gus McCarthy coming in at hooker in a front row that also includes Andrew Porter and Finlay Bealham.
Cormac Izuchukwu is two second debutant, starting in the back row alongside Josh van der Flier and captain Caelan Doris.
Joe McCarthy and Tadhg Beirne round out the pack in the second row.
