Three players with Fiji connections have been named in the All Blacks XV squad for their upcoming international matches in Europe. The selected athletes are Crusaders utility back Chay Fihaki, Highlanders’ fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, and Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere.
Head coach Jamie Joseph has established a 30-man squad that combines seasoned talent and emerging stars, with an average age of 25. Among the group are eight capped Test players, signifying a balance of experience and youthful potential aimed at fostering future All Blacks talent.
Joseph emphasized the squad’s foundational goal is talent development, highlighting a success pathway evidenced by the recent All Blacks Northern Tour, which featured seven members from the current squad. “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 noted, adding that the immediate focus is on securing victories in three matches in Europe.
The All Blacks XV is slated to face the Barbarians on November 2, followed by England A on November 9 and Uruguay on November 16. Notable figures in the squad include David Havili from the Crusaders and Dalton Papali’i from the Blues, showcasing a blend of established and rising stars.
This selection reflects an ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing competitive depth in New Zealand rugby, paving the way for future successes on the international stage. The inclusion of players with Fiji ties not only enriches the team’s diversity but also adds a layer of excitement as these athletes showcase their skills in the All Blacks’ signature black jersey.