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NZ v India: 3rd T20 from 7.45pmAll Blacks name 36-strong squad for Northern Series
Sport Nation • October 27th, 2026 6:30 am
Leicester Fainga'anuku | Photo: Photosport
The All Blacks have welcomed eight players back from injury for the Nations Championship Northern Series, with Codie Taylor named captain of the 36-player squad.
Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Ethan Blackadder, Anton Segner, Asafo Aumua and Fehi Fineanganofo are back in the group as New Zealand prepares to face Scotland, Wales and England on consecutive weekends.
Hooker George Bell, prop Saula Ma’u and loose forwards Leicester Fainga’anuku and Christian Lio-Willie also join the squad. Chay Fihaki and Jamie Hannah are named in an All Blacks squad for the first time, having previously been involved as injury cover.
Ma’u and Josh Jacomb are the only squad members yet to earn a Test cap. Nine players are unavailable through injury, while Simon Parker is out for personal reasons.
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Head coach Dave Rennie said the squad includes players who have impressed during the NPC and experienced All Blacks returning from injury.
“This is a really strong squad we have selected. It's great to officially welcome George, Saula, Leicester, Christian, Jamie and Chay back into the squad. They have all shown fantastic form during the NPC.
"We're also rapt to have eight players who have played a lot of footy for us this year return from injury. They bring a lot of quality and experience to the group."
Rennie knows this tour won't be easy, acknowledging the quality of opposition the team will be facing in the Northern Hemisphere.
Codie Taylor | Photo: Photosport
“Playing Scotland, Wales and England on consecutive weekends is a tough assignment," he said.
"These are all proud rugby nations with passionate home crowds. We will embrace the challenge and the opportunity to build on our Bledisloe Cup performances.
"We have enjoyed fantastic support at home and away this year and acknowledge the thousands of Kiwis who we know will be setting alarms to watch from the other side of the world.”
The All Blacks open the series against Scotland at Murrayfield on November 8, then face Wales in Cardiff on November 15 and England in London on November 22 - kick-off for all three matches is scheduled for 3.10am NZ time.
Results will count towards the Nations Championship standings ahead of Finals Weekend in London from 27 to 29 November.
ALL BLACKS SQUAD
Hookers: Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, George Bell.
Props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Saula Ma'u*
Locks: Scott Barrett, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Jamie Hannah, Tupou Vaa'i.
Loose Forwards: Anton Segner, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Kyle Preston, Cortez Ratima .
First Five-Eighths: Richie Mo'unga, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb*
Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Anton Lienert-Brown.
Outside Backs: Rieko Ioane, Chay Fihaki, Fehi Fineanganofo, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett.
Unavailable due to injury: Samisoni Taukei'aho (calf); Shannon Frizell (knee); Tyrel Lomax (neck); Leroy Carter (ankle); Ruben Love (ankle); Ardie Savea (shoulder); Luke Jacobson (elbow); Caleb Clarke (shoulder); Ollie Norris (knee).
Unavailable for personal reasons: Simon Parker.
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