Ardie Savea has been formally named All Blacks captain as head coach Dave Rennie unveiled his 34-player squad for the inaugural Nations Championship, with the 32-year-old blindside flanker assuming full leadership of New Zealand’s test team.
Savea succeeds Scott Barrett in the role, becoming the face of Rennie’s first assignment in charge as the All Blacks bid to establish their credentials in the new global competition format. The appointment marks the culmination of a decade-long international career for the Hurricanes loose forward, who has captained the All Blacks 13 times previously when Barrett has been unavailable.
“It’s one of the greatest honours in sport,” Savea said following the squad announcement at Feilding Yellows Rugby Club, echoing sentiments shared by Rennie and his fellow selectors, including Sir Graham Henry and Senior Assistant Coach Neil Barnes.
Rennie’s 34-player squad includes four uncapped players who impressed during Super Rugby Pacific, though lock Tupou Vaa’i has been ruled out for the opening Nations Championship fixtures while recovering from concussion. The squad is built around the same core that competed during the 2025 Rugby World Cup cycle, with Rennie seeking to establish consistency and new identity under his tenure.
The All Blacks open their Nations Championship campaign against Ireland at Eden Park on Saturday, 18 July, with the new captain’s leadership immediately tested against the unbeaten Irish side. New Zealand are also unbeaten in the competition following victories over France and Italy in earlier rounds.
Savea’s captaincy follows months of speculation about Rennie’s direction after taking over from Ian Foster. The 32-year-old brings experience, having led the All Blacks through periods when Barrett rested or recovered from injury, and his selection signals Rennie’s long-term vision for New Zealand rugby.
