Three players with connections to Fiji have been named in the All Blacks XV squad for their upcoming international matches in Europe. The athletes selected are Crusaders utility back Chay Fihaki, Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, and Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere.
Head coach Jamie Joseph has assembled a 30-man squad that blends experienced veterans with emerging stars, averaging 25 years of age. The squad includes eight capped Test players, showcasing a mix of experience and youthful promise aimed at developing future All Blacks talent.
Joseph highlighted that the primary goal for this squad is talent development, pointing to a proven track record that includes seven members from the current roster participating in the recent All Blacks Northern Tour. “No doubt some of these players will progress on to the All Blacks in future years, and if that’s the case, we will have done our job,” he remarked, while also stressing the immediate aim of achieving victories in three matches across Europe.
The All Blacks XV is scheduled to face the Barbarians on November 2, England A on November 9, and Uruguay on November 16. Prominent players in the squad also include David Havili from the Crusaders and Dalton Papali’i from the Blues, which illustrates a combination of established talent and up-and-coming players.
This selection underscores New Zealand rugby’s dedication to nurturing talent and enhancing competitive depth, establishing a foundation for future achievements on the international stage. The inclusion of players with Fijian heritage not only enhances the team’s diversity but also brings added excitement as they prepare to don the iconic black jersey and showcase their skills on a global platform.