Ardie Savea will captain the All Blacks after head coach Dave Rennie named a 34-man squad for the opening three Tests of the 2026 season, with Hurricanes first five-eighth Ruben Love earning selection and prop George Bower, who is of Fijian descent, among the forwards included.
The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, with key names such as Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan and Jordie Barrett all retained.
In the forwards, hookers Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor and Samisoni Taukei’aho have been selected, while joining Bower in the front row are Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi and uncapped Xavier Numia.
The lock group is made up of Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord and Sam Darry.
In the loose forwards, Savea leads a unit featuring Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Peter Lakai, Simon Parker and uncapped Anton Segner.
At halfback, Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima and Kyle Preston have been named, while the first five-eighths options are Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie.
The midfield includes Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor and Anton Lienert-Brown, while the outside backs selected are Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby and uncapped Fehi Fineanganofo.
The squad marks the start of Rennie’s 2026 campaign as the All Blacks prepare for their opening Test series.
Source: RNZ
