New captain, new faces: All Blacks reveal squad for Nations Championship
by KickOff Rugby · KickOffArdie Savea has been appointed All Blacks captain for the 2026 season and will lead a 34-man squad in the upcoming Nations Championship series.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie named his first squad of the year at Feilding Yellows Rugby Football Club, alongside selectors Sir Graham Henry and Neil Barnes.
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The squad includes four debutants and will open their campaign against France in Christchurch on 4 July, before facing Italy in Wellington and Ireland in Auckland.
Rennie said the squad reflects the style of rugby he and his coaching team want to see from the All Blacks.
“We are rapt with this squad – players with the ability to step up to the demands of Test footy but also play with optimism and brutality,” Rennie said.
“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 also praised Savea’s appointment as captain.
“Congratulations also to our new All Blacks captain, Ardie Savea, who we know will do an outstanding job of leading this team on and off the field. Ardie is highly respected by his teammates and cares deeply about the black jersey.”
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Savea described the captaincy as one of the greatest honours in sport.
“To serve this team, its people and its fans is one of the greatest honours in sport,” Savea said.
“I believe this role is about empowering everyone in the group to be the best that they can be – from the leadership to the players and wider staff.
“A united All Blacks team has the power to unite a nation. And we are going to need all five million Kiwis to get in behind us as we walk towards the challenges that are waiting for us over the next 16 months.”
Savea paid tribute to his family and those who have supported him.
“A special thank you to my wife, Saskia, and our three children, Kobe, Keeon and Kove. The same to our parents, our extended family and friends. We are blessed to have a ‘village’ that walks alongside us.”
All Blacks Squad 2026
Forwards (19)
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho
Props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia*, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi
Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry
Loose forwards: Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea (captain), Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner*
Backs (15)
Halfbacks: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston
Flyhalves: 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
Denotes uncapped player.
Injury cover: Jamie Hannah (temporary cover for Tupou Vaa’i).