Commonwealth Games
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Racing
Motorsport
Netball
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Fabian Holland “ready for anything” after five-month injury grind
Sport Nation • July 28th, 2026 9:11 am
Fabian Holland | Photo: Photosport
Fabian Holland is back in black and insists his shoulder is ready for the brutality waiting in South Africa.
The All Blacks lock has been named in Dave Rennie’s 44-man squad for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour, returning after five months out with a shoulder injury.
Speaking to Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy, Holland said selection was never something he took for granted.
“Always extremely grateful to be part of the team again,” Holland said.
“Obviously had a bit of a rehab journey of five months, but extremely excited to be a part of a team again. It’s never a given, so I’m just ready to get to work and excited to rip in.”
Holland got through 40 minutes for Otago in their Ranfurly Shield pre-season hit-out on Friday, describing the body as “mental” after his first run back.
What Josh Jacomb's All Blacks addition means for Beauden Barrett | Sport Nation
Rather than simply waiting out his rehab, Holland said he tried to use the layoff to return sharper than before.
“I tried to frame it in a way where I can see it as an opportunity to get better in those five months, instead of just kind of waiting out those five months,” he said.
Whether he features before the first test against the Springboks will be up to Rennie and the coaching staff, but Holland made it clear he feels ready.
“Mentally, I’m ready for anything. Physically, I am ready for anything,” he said.
“I’m just keen to contribute and look forward to ripping in. But it’s above the pay grade, mate.”
South Africa will offer an immediate examination, with the All Blacks facing the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls before the opening test at Ellis Park.
“You know when you play South Africa it’s going to be a physical game, whether it’s against the club, like the Stormers or the Bulls or the Sharks, or whether it's the Springboks,” Holland said.
Aride Savea to miss start of All Blacks tour to South Africa | Sport Nation
“My body is more than ready. I kind of embrace the impact and whatnot. That’s what we train for and that’s what we prepared ourselves for over these last five months.”
Holland has also been encouraged by the All Blacks’ shift under Rennie, particularly the pace and ambition shown in the opening tests of the new era.
“Kind of gone back to what we as All Blacks pride ourselves on, using our skill, playing with speed and having a crack,” he said.
“It’s pretty exciting footy and it’s a good foundation that we’ve set.”
Now, after months of rehab and reflection, Holland’s focus is simple.
“I don’t want to come back to the level where I was at, but use this opportunity to come back as a better athlete and as a player,” he said.
Listen to the full interview below:
