Ardie Savea leads Dave Rennie's All Blacks into bumper 2026 season

All Blacks Head Coach Dave Rennie has revealed his first squad at Feilding Yellows Rugby Club today alongside his fellow selectors, Sir Graham Henry, and Senior Assistant Coach Neil Barnes.

The squad, which includes four debutants, will kick off its season against France in Christchurch on 4 July, followed by Tests against Italy in Wellington and Ireland in Auckland.

Rennie said his first squad as All Blacks Head Coach reflects the style of rugby he and his coaching team are wanting the All Blacks to play.

"We are rapt with this squad - players with the ability to bar up to the demands of test footy but also play with optimism and brutality," he told allblacks.com.

"We look forward to connecting on Wednesday in preparation for three big tests against France Italy and Ireland.

"Special congratulations must go to our four uncapped players. These men have each had an outstanding Super Rugby season and fully deserve their place in the squad. It will be a massively proud time for their families, friends and teammates.

"Congratulations also to our new All Blacks Captain, Ardie Savea, who we know will do an outstanding job of leading this team on and off-field. Ardie is highly respected by his teammates and cares deeply about the black jersey."

Savea said it was a huge honour to be the All Blacks Captain and he would be drawing on the leadership from those around him and those who have come before him to inspire and ground him.

"To serve this team, its people and its fans is one of the greatest honours in sport," said Savea.

"I believe this role is about empowering everyone in the group to be the best that they can be - from the leadership, to the players and wider staff.

"A united All Blacks team has the power to unite a nation. And we are going to need all five million Kiwis to get in behind us as we walk towards the challenges that are waiting for us over the next 16 months.

"We pay tribute to those who have gone before us while also acknowledging that the responsibility of writing the next chapter in the All Blacks story lies with us. Let's get to work.

"A special thank you to my wife Saskia and our three children Kobe, Keeon and Kove. The same to our parents, our extended family and friends. We are blessed to have a 'village' that walks alongside us."

The All Blacks squad will assemble for the first time in Auckland from Wednesday this week, before travelling to Christchurch at the end of the week for the first Test of the Nations Championship.

New Zealand squad:

Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan De Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tupou Vaa'i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea (c), Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner.

Backs: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan.

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