Barely arrived, already in the treatment room. New Zealand back-rower Dalton Papali’i, Castres’ headline signing for 2026-27, suffered a serious injury on Tuesday during his very first session back with his new club.

An Achilles tendon goes during the Bronco test

It was during the Bronco test, a running drill used to assess fitness on return from holiday, that the Castres signing broke down. In fierce heat, the former All Black felt pain in his Achilles tendon. According to Rugbyrama, confirmed by L’Équipe, the initial diagnosis points to a rupture. Further scans are due to establish the severity in the coming days.

A heavy blow for Castres and for the player

The timing is cruel. With 37 All Blacks caps to his name, Papali’i had given up on the next World Cup and left the Auckland Blues, the only club of his career, to take on the Top 14. His signing was confirmed five months ago. An Achilles tendon rupture would keep him off the field for most of the season, depriving Castres of their most eye-catching recruit before a ball has been kicked.