Ardie Savea named captain of New Zealand squad for Nations Championship tests

New Zealand rugby coach Dave Rennie has appointed Ardie Savea as the captain for his first squad announcement, which includes four uncapped players for the inaugural Nations Championship tests. The 34-man squad is set to face France, Italy, and Ireland in the upcoming July tests.

Savea, a prominent figure in New Zealand rugby, will lead the team in the absence of Scott Barrett, who captained the squad under former coach Scott Robertson. Barrett is unavailable for the July fixtures due to an injury. Additionally, Tamaiti Williams, Fabian Holland, and Leicester Fainga’anuku have also been ruled out because of injuries.

Rennie expressed his confidence in Savea's leadership abilities, stating, "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." He further added, "Ardie is highly respected by his team mates and cares deeply about the black jersey."

Among the notable selections is Ruben Love, who is named as one of three flyhalves, alongside Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett. The inclusion of new talent alongside experienced players like Savea signals a new era for the All Blacks as they prepare for the Nations Championship.

“

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 team mates and cares deeply about the black jersey.