Sport: Rugby Country: Italy Category: Scores & Results

Ardie Savea captains All Blacks in new squad for July tests

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 22, 2026, 6:02 AM

Last updated Jun 22, 2026

Ardie Savea captains All Blacks in new squad for July tests

Summary

Ardie Savea has been appointed captain of the All Blacks for the upcoming Nations Championship tests against France, Italy, and Ireland. Dave Rennie, in his first selection as head coach, named a 34-man squad that features four uncapped players, including Xavier Numia, Josh Moorby, Fehi Fineanganofo, and Anton Segner. Savea takes over the captaincy from Scott Barrett, who is sidelined due to injury. The All Blacks aim to implement a fast-paced and physically solid style of play this season. The squad is set to gather for training on Wednesday in preparation for the test matches beginning on July 4.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Savea has previously captained the All Blacks 13 times.
•The All Blacks face France in Christchurch on July 4.
•Rennie's squad includes 11 players from the Super Rugby-winning Hurricanes.
•Fineanganofo set a Super Rugby record with 17 tries this season.
•Rennie emphasizes a focus on optimism and brutality in gameplay.

Latest Updates

6:02 AMYahoo Sports — Ardie Savea to captain New Zealand in Nations Championship as Dave Rennie names first All Blacks squad
1:05 AMYahoo Sports — Ardie Savea named as captain; 4 new caps in Dave Rennie's 1st All Blacks squad of 2026

What they're saying

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Dave Rennie has picked Ardie Savea to captain his first All Blacks squad selected for Nations Championship tests against France, Italy and Ireland next month. The Japan-based Savea takes over from lock Scott Barrett, who is unavailable because of a back injury but likely would have relinquished the captaincy under a new, future-focused coaching regime. Barrett led the All Blacks in 11 tests after becoming captain in 2024 under former head coach Scott Robertson.
— Yahoo Sportsby STEVE McMORRAN