Overview
- Castres confirmed that Papali’i ruptured his Achilles during pre‑season training and underwent surgery on Wednesday, July 15, with the club saying he will be sidelined for a minimum of six months.
- The 28‑year‑old moved from New Zealand’s Blues to Castres earlier in 2026 on a three‑year contract and had passed all required pre‑arrival medical checks before the injury.
- His recovery timetable means he is expected to miss at least the opening half of the 2026–27 Top 14 season, which begins on September 5 when Castres face promoted Vannes.
- Castres described the incident as accidental and ‘a real stroke of bad luck’ and said the club will fully support Papali’i through his rehabilitation.
- Losing a seasoned loose forward with 37 Test caps weakens Castres’ pack after a 10th‑place finish last season and will force the club to seek cover in squad planning and player selection for the early part of the campaign.