Dream fulfilled: German rugby player Anton Segner joins the All Blacks

Anton Segner has fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming the first German national to be selected for the prestigious New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks. The 24-year-old, who was born in Frankfurt, left Germany as a teenager to pursue a professional rugby career in New Zealand.

"I am speechless. This is obviously the most exciting time of my life," Segner told Hessenschau. He described calling his family in Germany immediately after receiving the call from national coach Dave Rennie, waking them in the early hours of the morning. His family expressed immense joy at the news.

Segner's path to the national team was facilitated by a regulation allowing players with at least five years of residency in New Zealand to be eligible for the All Blacks. He first arrived in the country at age 15 for a six-month exchange program with Nelson College, having played for German champions SC 1880 Frankfurt.

His dedication and talent were recognized early on. By 2018, he was selected for the New Zealand Schools team, followed by the U20 national squad in 2020. He signed a three-year contract with the Auckland-based Blues in the Super Rugby league in 2024, captaining the team this year. Segner's selection highlights his hard work, physicality, and leadership qualities, which impressed the All Blacks' selectors.

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I am speechless. This is obviously the most exciting time of my life.