(Reuters) -New Zealand lock Patrick Tuipulotu has been ruled out of the Northern Hemisphere tour with the shoulder injury that plagued him through the Rugby Championship.
New Zealand Rugby said on Tuesday the injury had deteriorated since the tournament and scans showed the 56-cap veteran needed surgery.
Tuipulotu is expected to be sidelined for about six months and will likely miss the start of the Super Rugby season with the Auckland Blues.
Sam Darry replaces 32-year-old Tuipulotu in the squad for tests against Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
(Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Jamie Freed)
