Chiefs provide update on Wallace Sititi after sickening head knock

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Author: Christopher Reive,
Publish Date: Sun, 7 Jun 2026, 1:56pm

The Chiefs have received positive news about star loose forward Wallace Sititi, with the 23-year-old discharged from Waikato Hospital.

Sititi was transported to hospital during his side’s qualifying final win over the Queensland Reds in Hamilton on Saturday night after he was seen shaking on the ground following a head knock in the first half.

After falling into a high tackle from Reds lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Sititi suffered a head clash with teammate Sione Ahio as the prop went to clean out the ruck.

Sititi remained on the ground for several minutes before being helped onto a medicab to leave the field.

This morning, the Chiefs confirmed in a social media post that Sititi had been cleared of any serious damage.

“Hey Chiefs fam! Thanks for all your care and love for our guy Wally.

“He wanted to let you all know he is at home and feeling good, as well as sending his thanks to everyone for their love and support. Scans at Waikato Hospital did not reveal any issues and he will be assessed and cared for through the concussion protocols.”

Sititi left the field in the 18th minute of the contest, which the Chiefs won 46-24.

While it wasn’t deemed to be the blow that caused Sititi’s injury, Salakaia-Loto was sin-binned for the high contact. After it was decided the card would not be upgraded to a red, referee James Doleman explained it was the head clash after the high shot that caused the injury. Sititi will be on a mandatory stand-down from playing for a minimum of 12 days.

Speaking to Newstalk ZB’s Jason Pine, Chiefs fullback Isaac Hutchinson said it was a really hard thing to see.

“It’s really gutting. You don’t wish that on anyone and that’s the reality of the sport that we play. It’s a contact sport and you really hate to see it,” he said.

“You don’t want to see one of your teammates go down, especially in the way that Wally did, but the amazing thing is he’s out of hospital now. He’s positive, he’s smiling [and] back to his usual self. That puts things into perspective.

“It’s just a game and overall health is what comes first, so we’re glad to have him back to normal Wally now.”

With the win, the Chiefs locked in a home semi-final against the Crusaders next week, with the Hurricanes hosting the Blues in the other semi-final.

The Blues moved on as the lucky loser - the highest-ranked losing team from the qualifying finals, while the Brumbies and Reds were eliminated from the playoffs.