Imagine finding your future in shambles because of a seemingly innocent canine! Leroy Carter, a rising star in New Zealand rugby, was just days away from embarking on a life-changing tour to Argentina with the All Blacks when disaster struck—his dog decided to chew up his passport!

This unexpected twist in Carter's journey is not just a funny mishap; it’s a reminder of how life can throw curveballs even to the most prepared individuals. Just before his departure to play against the Pumas in the Rugby Championship, Carter discovered his passport was beyond repair, shredded into pieces.

As an injury replacement, Carter had been looking forward to this moment since earning his place in Scott Robertson’s squad. The 26-year-old utility back shared the saga with New Zealand media, explaining how the chaos unfolded. 'I got my passport out to take a photo to send to the team manager and left it on my bedside table,' he recounted. 'My partner went to the gym and left my dog home alone, and it jumped on the bed and chewed up the passport and my teeth aligners.'

Picture this: a hopeful athlete, ready to compete on the international stage, suddenly dealing with a pet-induced crisis! Carter went on to express that while it was a bit of a 'shambles yesterday', he remained calm and collected. 'I thought something like this would happen to me, so I didn’t stress about it; I just worked to sort it out.'

Most of the All Blacks squad is set to fly out on Friday, and they’re gearing up for their Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Cordoba next week. For Carter, who previously showcased his skills on the rugby sevens team at the Paris Olympics and clinched bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, this moment is both a trial and a testament to his resilience.

Ultimately, this doggone passport fiasco is not just a story of mishaps; it’s about an athlete’s journey filled with unexpected twists, showcasing that a bit of humor and adaptability can go a long way!