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Sport Nation
FWC: FRA v IRQ, 8am on SN ExtraRennie names new-look All Blacks squad for 2026 Nations Championship
Sport Nation • June 22nd, 2026 12:10 pm
Dave Rennie names his first All Black squad | Photo: Photosport
The wait is over. Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad has been named, marking the start of a new chapter for New Zealand rugby.
Fresh off a League One title with the Kobe Steelers, Rennie now turns his attention fully to the black jersey as preparations ramp up for a massive 2026 season.
The 34-man squad for the Nations Championship was named at Feilding Yellows Rugby Club by New Zealand Rugby chair David Kirk, who was joined by Rennie, Ardie Savea and selector Sir Graham Henry.
Four new faces have been handed their opportunity to impress at Test level, with Blues player of the year Anton Segner joined by Josh Moorby, Fehi Fineanganofo and Xavier Numia, all rewarded for strong Super Rugby campaigns.
“Special congratulations must go to our four uncapped players. These men have each had an outstanding Super Rugby season and fully deserve their place in the squad." Rennie said following the announcement.
"It will be a massively proud time for their families, friends and team mates."
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A total of eleven Hurricanes made it easy to be included in the squad following their dominant season.
"I’ve been excited by Super Rugby, the Hurricanes set the bar. That’s transferable” said selector Sir Graham Henry.
Anton Lienert-Brown and Ardie Savea return from Japan, with fan favourite Savea set to captain the side after Scott Barrett was ruled out through injury.
144 Test veteran Beauden Barrett headlines the playmaking options alongside Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie, while the surprise inclusion of Kyle Preston joining Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima in the halfback group.
“We are rapt with this squad – players with the ability to bar up to the demands of test footy but also play with optimism and brutality."
"We look forward to connecting on Wednesday in preparation for three big tests against France, Italy and Ireland." Said Rennie.
The All Blacks open their 2026 Nations Championship campaign on July 4 against France in Christchurch, before Tests against Italy in Wellington and Ireland in Auckland.
“It’s exciting. This year is probably the biggest challenge the All Black team has ever had, the tour of South Africa later in the year, they are the best in the world." Said Henry.
All Blacks 2026 Nations Championship Squad
Props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho
Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry
Loose Forwards: Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner
Halfbacks: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston
First Five-Eighths: Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie
Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown
Outside Backs: Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan
Injury Cover: Jamie Hannah (will join the squad as temporary injury cover for Tupou Vaa’i)
Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Leicester Faingaʻanuku.
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