Winger Sitiveni Sivivatu has withdrawn from New Zealand's rugby tour to Hong Kong, Britain and Ireland because of a knee injury which requires surgery.

Sivivatu pulled out of the tour on the eve of the All Blacks' test against the Wallabies in Hong Kong on Saturday after a scan revealed the extent of his injury.

The 43-Test veteran returned to rugby last week after a five-month layoff with a shoulder injury but was not named in the team to play Australia.

Instead Sivivatu was expected to play for provincial team Waikato against Auckland in New Zealand before joining the All Blacks squad overseas.

All Blacks doctor Deb Robinson said from Hong Kong that a fragment of bone had come loose in Sivivatu's left knee and would have to be removed by orthopedic surgery. Robinson said it was not known how long Sivivatu would be out of rugby.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry described the injury as a big disappointment for the winger after only just returning from injury.

"The whole All Blacks squad feels for him and we wish him all the best as he recovers from his latest setback," Henry said.

A replacement player won't be called into the All Blacks squad according to Henry, with wingers Jo Rokocoko, Cory Jane and Hosea Gear in the squad as well as Isaia Toeava also available to provide cover.

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