Fainga'anuku named as loose forward for All Blacks northern tour

Fainga'anuku named as loose forward for All Blacks northern tour Estelle.Bronkhorst Tue, 10/27/2026 - 08:30

WELLINGTON - All Blacks coach Dave Rennie on Tuesday confirmed a positional switch for Leicester Fainga'anuku, as the winger-turned-loose-forward returned to the New Zealand squad for their northern tour.

Fainga'anuku broke his leg and injured his ankle towards the end of the Canterbury Crusaders' Super Rugby campaign, and is yet to play for New Zealand under head coach Rennie.

During the Super Rugby season Fainga'anuku switched into the loose forwards under Rob Penney, causing a nuisance at the ruck while still offering his devastating running game.

Rennie praised the new additions to his severely injury-hit squad, saying they had shown "fantastic form" in domestic rugby.

"They bring a lot of quality and experience to the group," Rennie said.

"Playing Scotland, Wales and England on consecutive weekends is a tough assignment. 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".

Hooker Codie Taylor will captain the team in place of the injured Ardie Savea.

Flyhalf Ruben Love is among the long list of names unavailable for the tour through injury, giving Richie Mo'unga more time to reacquaint himself with international rugby.

Also missing through injury are Samisoni Taukei'aho, Shannon Frizell, Tyrel Lomax, Leroy Carter, Luke Jacobson, Caleb Clarke and Ollie Norris.

• AFP