All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named a strong 36-man squad for the Nations Championship Tests in the Northern Hemisphere, with a number of key men back from injury.
Rennie’s side have been hit with a major injury crisis in recent months, with the likes of Ardie Savea, Ruben Love, Billy Proctor and Caleb Clarke all unavailable for selection, but it seems the head coach will be able to call on some of his key men once again in November with as many as 12 players returning to the side.
Elsewhere, Codie Taylor will once again lead the team into battle, as they prepare to face Scotland, Wales and England before the finals weekend.
All Blacks boosted by injury returners as uncapped trio called up for Nations Championship
Of Rennie’s returners, George Bell, Saula Ma’u, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Christian Lio-Willie Jordie Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Ethan Blackadder, Anton Segner, Asafo Aumua and Fehi Fineanganofo are back in contention after missing out on various Tests thus far in 2026.
Ma’u and Josh Jacomb could also win their maiden Test caps, after being included in the extended group. Jacomb has previously featured for the All Blacks in uncapped fixtures during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, while Ma’u has played for the All Blacks XV. Capped duo Chay Fihaki and Jamie Hannah also make an extended squad for the first time, after previously being injury replacements.
Commenting on his selection, Rennie said: “This is a really strong squad we have selected. It’s great to officially welcome George, Saula, Leicester, Christian, Jamie and Chay back into the squad. They have all shown fantastic form during the NPC. We’re also rapt to have eight players who have played a lot of footy for us this year return from injury. They bring a lot of quality and experience to the group.
“Playing Scotland, Wales and England on consecutive weekends is a tough assignment. These are all proud rugby nations with passionate home crowds. We will embrace the challenge and the opportunity to build on our Bledisloe Cup performances. We have enjoyed fantastic support at home and away this year and acknowledge the thousands of Kiwis who we know will be setting alarms to watch from the other side of the world.”
All Blacks squad in full
Forwards: Codie Taylor (c), Asafo Aumua, George Bell, Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Saula Ma’u, Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Jamie Hannah, Tupou Vaa’i, Anton Segner, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi
Backs: Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston, Cortez Ratima, Richie Mo’unga, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane, Chay Fihaki, Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett