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Join our Fantasy SRP leagueCarter confident in Chiefs' chances to lift some silverware
Jaxin Daniels • February 10th, 2026 4:43 pm
Leroy Carter will hope to bring some of that 2025 spark into the 2026 season | Photo: Photosport NZ
As we eagerly anticipate the start of the 2026 Super Rugby season, 2025 Chiefs and All Blacks standout Leroy Carter joined Sport Nation’s Scotty and Izzy.
After what was a career defining year for the 26-year-old, Carter shares how the All Blacks call up felt.
“Yeah definitely a pinch yourself moment,” Carter said. “I still can’t really believe it.
"At the start of the season I was just hoping I’d get a debut for the Chiefs and then everything followed.
“It’s pretty crazy.”
Going into last season Carter was relatively unknown in the Super Rugby scene, this year he is one of the best wingers in the competition and is raring to go.
“Coming back into camp I was just pretty hungry to get to work. It feels like I haven’t played a game of rugby in ages, so it’s exciting.
“I’ve just got to work hard, and I think everything will follow.”
Coming off such a massive year, Carter re-signed with the Chiefs through until 2028, confident he'll be seeing some silverware during that time.
"I love this club and I want to be here when we get a Super Rugby title," Carter said.
"It's a pretty easy decision for me and my family. So, I'm pretty excited and I can't wait to rip in really."
The winger stocks at the Chiefs are arguably the best in Super Rugby, but Carter is embracing the competition for playing time.
“Loving it, all of them are just freaks,” Carter said. “It keeps you on your toes for sure.
“We’re all growing off each other, and it’s just going to make us better really. We’re here for the same goal, so it’s going to be good throughout the year. "
With the arrival of Head Coach Jono Gibbes, Carter is enjoying what he’s brought to the Waikato outfit this preseason.
“Just that old school tough mindset,” Carter said.
“It’s what the Chiefs have been about, so he really fits in.
“You don’t have to do anything special or flash, if you’re tough out there then he’s pretty happy.”
The Chiefs will have their work cut out for them in the opener, heading up the expressway to face the Blues after their massive preseason win against the Crusaders, but Carter is confident in his team’s preparation.
“It’s just putting the good things in that we did over those two preseason games,” Carter said.
“Our attack was pretty good against the Hurricanes, but I’d say our defense was even better to keep a quality team like that to zero.
“So just putting in a complete performance, that’s what we’re after.”
The Blues will host the Chiefs at Eden Park to open their seasons, kicking off at 7:05pm on Saturday night.
Listen to the full interview below:
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