It's not just a tour; it's a statement of intent. Jamie Joseph, head coach of the All Blacks XV, has meticulously picked a squad of 30 warriors for their imminent European conquest. Featuring eight seasoned internationals, this team is a blend of hardened experience and raw, explosive talent ready to storm the fields of England and Uruguay.
The tour roster features notable names like Dalton Papali’i and David Havili, both of whom carry the scars and glory of the 2023 Rugby World Cup where New Zealand finished as runners-up. They are joined by emerging players such as Jack Taylor and Siale Lauaki, both only 22, who are set to inject youthful vigor into the lineup. This balanced force will face the Barbarians and England A on English soil, followed by a clash against Uruguay at a yet-to-be-disclosed location.
Joseph's selection process was backed by a formidable coaching trio: Jamie Mackintosh, David Hill, and Cory Jane. Their combined insights have crafted a squad that Joseph believes perfectly captures the essence of New Zealand’s rugby prowess.
"It’s a squad with a good mix of experience and emerging talent and reflects the depth that’s building in the NPC and Super Rugby Pacific,"
Joseph remarked, emphasizing the tough choices made to finalize this touring party.
The team not only represents a broad spectrum of New Zealand’s rugby landscape, with players hailing from 13 of the 14 NPC unions and all five Super Rugby franchises, but it also serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aspiring to don the prestigious All Blacks jersey. Joseph is confident about the pathway's effectiveness, noting the progression of players from previous squads to the All Blacks’ northern tour team.
With the National Provincial Championship (NPC) nearing its climax, players selected for the All Blacks XV will first fulfill their domestic duties before assembling on October 24. From there, they will depart for Europe, armed with the dual objectives of victory and showcasing the enduring strength of New Zealand rugby on the international stage.
All Blacks XV Squad - Forwards: Brodie McAlister, Jack Taylor, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Josh Fusitua, Benet Kumeroa, Siale Lauaki, Xavier Numia, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Beehre, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Kaylum Boshier, Devan Flanders, Te Kamaka Howden, Christian Lio-Willie, Dalton Papali’i, Sean Withy. Backs: Folau Fakatava, Kyle Preston, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Rivez Reihana, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Daniel Rona, Chay Fihaki, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau.
2025 Tour Schedule: Saturday, 1 November: All Blacks XV v Barbarians, Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford Saturday, 8 November: All Blacks XV v England A, The Recreational Ground, Bath Saturday, 15 November: All Blacks XV v Uruguay, venue TBC
2,193 posts
It's not just a tour; it's a statement of intent. Jamie Joseph, head coach of the All Blacks XV, has meticulously picked a squad of 30 warriors for their imminent European conquest. Featuring eight seasoned internationals, this team is a blend of hardened experience and raw, explosive talent ready to storm the fields of England and Uruguay.
The tour roster features notable names like Dalton Papali’i and David Havili, both of whom carry the scars and glory of the 2023 Rugby World Cup where New Zealand finished as runners-up. They are joined by emerging players such as Jack Taylor and Siale Lauaki, both only 22, who are set to inject youthful vigor into the lineup. This balanced force will face the Barbarians and England A on English soil, followed by a clash against Uruguay at a yet-to-be-disclosed location.
Joseph's selection process was backed by a formidable coaching trio: Jamie Mackintosh, David Hill, and Cory Jane. Their combined insights have crafted a squad that Joseph believes perfectly captures the essence of New Zealand’s rugby prowess.
"It’s a squad with a good mix of experience and emerging talent and reflects the depth that’s building in the NPC and Super Rugby Pacific,"
Joseph remarked, emphasizing the tough choices made to finalize this touring party.The team not only represents a broad spectrum of New Zealand’s rugby landscape, with players hailing from 13 of the 14 NPC unions and all five Super Rugby franchises, but it also serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aspiring to don the prestigious All Blacks jersey. Joseph is confident about the pathway's effectiveness, noting the progression of players from previous squads to the All Blacks’ northern tour team.
With the National Provincial Championship (NPC) nearing its climax, players selected for the All Blacks XV will first fulfill their domestic duties before assembling on October 24. From there, they will depart for Europe, armed with the dual objectives of victory and showcasing the enduring strength of New Zealand rugby on the international stage.
All Blacks XV Squad - Forwards: Brodie McAlister, Jack Taylor, Bradley Slater, George Dyer, Josh Fusitua, Benet Kumeroa, Siale Lauaki, Xavier Numia, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Josh Beehre, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Kaylum Boshier, Devan Flanders, Te Kamaka Howden, Christian Lio-Willie, Dalton Papali’i, Sean Withy.
Backs: Folau Fakatava, Kyle Preston, Xavier Roe, Josh Jacomb, Rivez Reihana, Braydon Ennor, David Havili, Dallas McLeod, Daniel Rona, Chay Fihaki, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Caleb Tangitau.
2025 Tour Schedule:
Saturday, 1 November: All Blacks XV v Barbarians, Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford
Saturday, 8 November: All Blacks XV v England A, The Recreational Ground, Bath
Saturday, 15 November: All Blacks XV v Uruguay, venue TBC