All Blacks Announce Rugby Championship Squad Featuring Four Uncapped Players

As the Rugby Championship approaches, the All Blacks have unveiled their squad for the upcoming series, with a notable emphasis on fresh talent. The team has named a 36-player squad, with an additional six players included as injury cover, offering a mix of experience and emerging stars.

Among the standout inclusions are four uncapped players: Leroy Carter, Kyle Preston, Tevita Mafileo, and Simon Parker. The latter, a loose forward from the Chiefs, has earned a spot in the initial 36-man squad after an impressive Super Rugby season. His versatility and physicality have caught the attention of head coach Scott Robertson.

Robertson expressed confidence in the newcomers, stating, “Simon Parker had an impressive Super Rugby season with the Chiefs and brings a valuable skill set and physicality that we are looking forward to working with. He has the ability to play blindside or No 8 and has gained experience in a number of New Zealand representative teams, so we believe he is ready for the step up.”

While the inclusion of new faces is a positive development, the absence of several key players due to injury adds an element of challenge. Players like Cam Roigard, Noah Hotham, Tyrel Lomax, Luke Jacobson, and Caleb Clarke will remain in New Zealand, with experienced players such as Finlay Christie stepping in as injury cover.

However, the All Blacks also welcome back notable players such as Wallace Sititi and Tamaiti Williams, who missed the recent French series due to injury. Both are expected to be available for the matches against Argentina, along with Beauden Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i, and Scott Barrett, who also had to sit out parts of the French series.

Robertson highlighted the return of these players, saying, “It is also fantastic to have Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi returning from their injuries, as well as welcoming Peter Lakai, Finlay Christie and Josh Lord back into the group.”

The squad for the Rugby Championship includes a strong mix of forwards and backs, with key players such as Scott Barrett leading the pack as captain. The team will face a tough challenge in the upcoming matches against Argentina, with Robertson expressing excitement for the upcoming fixtures.

Below is the full squad list for the Rugby Championship:

With the Rugby Championship on the horizon, the All Blacks are set for an exciting and challenging series, with the potential for new talent to shine on the international stage.