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Hotham called up to All Blacks squad, Norris returning to NZ with injury
Sport Nation • August 17th, 2026 9:03 am
Noah Hotham | Photo: Photosport
Noah Hotham has been called up to the All Blacks squad in South Africa amid concerns over Cortez Ratima's fitness.
The 23-year-old halfback has been told to prepare to join the squad in Johannesburg after starting for Tasman in their 50-35 win over Counties Manukau in Pukekohe on Sunday night.
Prop Ollie Norris will also return home with a knee injury, with a replacement set to be announced.
He becomes the fourth player from the squad to make an enforced exit, following Caleb Clarke, Billy Proctor, and George Bell.
Hotham was initially overlooked for the All Blacks’ 44-man squad for the Greatest Rivalry tour, with the selectors opting for Roigard, Cortez Ratima and Kyle Preston as their three halfbacks.
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While Roigard’s calf issue has raised concerns ahead of Sunday’s first Test against South Africa at Ellis Park, Hotham's call-up has been deemed as cover for Ratima, who is being further assessed for a knee injury sustained against the Bulls.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said after Sunday’s 50-19 win over the Bulls that he remained confident Roigard would be fit, but stressed he needed to get through a full week of training.
“Both Will and Cam got through a bit of training yesterday,” Rennie said. “We’re pretty confident they’re going to be right for next week.”
Should Roigard be ruled out, Ratima is expected to start at halfback, with Preston likely to come off the bench.
Hotham, who started ahead of Preston for the Crusaders this season, now provides the All Blacks with another specialist option at No. 9.
