The Blues’ Super Rugby Pacific title defence has suffered a setback, with All Blacks lock Sam Darry set to miss the season with injury.

The defending champions have confirmed to NZME that Darry suffered a right shoulder injury in training and will likely require surgery.

It is yet unclear how much time the lock will miss, but the Blues said while it is likely he’ll sit out the entire Super Rugby season, there are hopes he will return to play ahead of the All Blacks' test season.

The All Blacks' first test comes against reigning Rugby World Cup champions the Springboks on September 6 at Eden Park.

Darry made his test debut as injury replacement for his Blues captain, Patrick Tuipulotu, in the one-off match against Fiji last year.

The 24-year-old impressed against the Fijians and made five further appearances for Scott Robertson’s side in 2024.