Ardie Savea Named All Blacks Captain
Ardie Savea has been named All Blacks captain for 2026 and will lead a 34-man squad in the Nations Championship Southern Series.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie unveiled his first squad at Feilding Yellows Rugby Club on Monday alongside fellow selectors Sir Graham Henry and senior assistant coach Neil Barnes.
The squad, which includes four uncapped players, will begin its campaign against France in Christchurch on 4 July before facing Italy in Wellington and Ireland in Auckland.
Dave Rennie, All Blacks Head Coach
Rennie said his first squad as All Blacks head coach reflects the style of rugby he and his coaching staff want the team to play.
“We are thrilled with this squad – players who have the ability to stand up to the demands of Test rugby while also playing with optimism and physicality. We look forward to coming together on Wednesday as we prepare for three massive Tests against France, Italy and Ireland.
“Special congratulations must go to our four uncapped players. Each of these men has enjoyed an outstanding Super Rugby season and fully deserves his place in the squad. It is a proud moment for their families, friends and teammates.
“Congratulations also to our new All Blacks captain, Ardie Savea. We know he will do an outstanding job leading this team both on and off the field. Ardie is highly respected by his teammates and cares deeply about the black jersey,” said Rennie.
Ardie Savea, All Blacks Captain
Savea said it was a tremendous honour to be appointed All Blacks captain and that he would draw inspiration from those around him, as well as from the leaders who came before him.
“To serve this team, its people and its fans is one of the greatest honours in sport,” said Savea.
“I believe this role is about empowering everyone in the group to be the best they can be – from the leadership group 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 behind us as we face the challenges that await over the next 16 months.
“We pay tribute to those who have gone before us while recognising that the responsibility of writing the next chapter of the All Blacks story now rests with us. Let’s get to work.
“A special thank you to my wife, Saskia, and our three children, Kobe, Keeon and Kove. The same goes to our parents, extended family and friends. We are blessed to have a village that walks alongside us,” Savea added.
The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland on Wednesday before travelling to Christchurch later in the week for the opening Test of the Nations Championship.
Nations Championship Southern Series Fixtures
Saturday, 4 July 2026
All Blacks vs France – 7:05pm, One New Zealand Stadium, Christchurch
Friday, 10 July 2026
All Blacks vs Italy – 5:05pm, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Saturday, 18 July 2026
All Blacks vs Ireland – 7:10pm, Eden Park, Auckland
The 34-man squad is as follows (age, Super Rugby Club, province, Test caps)
Forwards (19)
Hookers
Asafo Aumua (29 / Hurricanes / Wellington / 20)
Codie Taylor (35 / Crusaders / Canterbury /106)
Samisoni Taukei’aho ( 28 / Chiefs / Waikato / 43)
Props
Ethan De Groot (27 / Highlanders / Southland / 40)
George Bower (34 / Crusaders / Otago / 25)
Xavier Numia * (27 / Hurricanes / Wellington / 0)
Tyrel Lomax (30 / Hurricanes / Tasman / 48)
Fletcher Newell (26 / Crusaders / Canterbury / 35)
Pasilio Tosi (27 / Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty / 16)
Locks
Tupou Vaa’i (26 / Chiefs / Taranaki / 45)
Patrick Tuipulotu (33 / Blues / Auckland / 56)
Josh Lord (25 / Chiefs / Taranaki / 12)
Sam Darry (25 / Blues / Canterbury / 8)
Loose Forwards
Peter Lakai (23 / Hurricanes / Wellington / 8)
Simon Parker (26 / Chiefs / Northland / 8)
Ardie Savea (32 / Moana Pasifika / Wellington / 106) (Captain)
Wallace Sititi (23 / Chiefs / North Harbour / 19)
Luke Jacobson (29 / Chiefs / Waikato / 24)
Anton Segner * (24 / Blues / Auckland / 0)
Backs (15)
Halfbacks
Cameron Roigard (25 / Hurricanes / Counties Manukau / 17)
Cortez Ratima (25 / Chiefs / Waikato / 21)
Kyle Preston (26 / Crusaders / Wellington / 1)
First Five-Eighths
Ruben Love (25 / Hurricanes / Wellington / 5)
Beauden Barrett (35 / Blues / Taranaki / 144)
Damian McKenzie (31 / Chiefs / Waikato / 74)
Midfielders
Jordie Barrett (29 / Hurricanes / Taranaki / 78)
Quinn Tupaea (27 / Chiefs / Waikato / 24)
Billy Proctor (27 / Hurricanes / Wellington / 11)
Anton Lienert-Brown (31 / Chiefs / Waikato / 88)
Outside Backs
Caleb Clarke (27 / Blues / Auckland / 33)
Fehi Fineanganofo * (23 / Hurricanes / Bay of Plenty / 0)
Leroy Carter (27 / Chiefs / Bay of Plenty / 6)
Josh Moorby * (27 / Hurricanes / Waikato / 0)
Will Jordan (28 / Crusaders / Tasman / 54)
Injury cover: Jamie Hannah * (23 / Crusaders / Canterbury / 0) will join the squad as temporary injury cover for Tupou Vaa’i until he is cleared to return to play following concussion protocols.
Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams; Scott Barrett; Fabian Holland; Leicester Fainga’anuku.
