THREE players with links to Fiji have been selected for the All Blacks XV for three international matches in Europe.
These players include Crusaders utility back Chay Fihaki, Highlanders’ fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere.
Head coach Jamie Joseph has named eight capped Test players and a group of rising young stars with an average age of 25 in the 30-man squad.
Coach Jospeh will be assisted by Jamie Mackintosh, David Hill, and Cory Jane.
“A core purpose of this team is to develop and promote players through to the next level and the effectiveness of the pathway was highlighted in the All Blacks Northern Tour squad which included seven members of the 2024 All Blacks XV squad.
“No doubt some of these players will progress on to the All Blacks in future years and if that’s the case we will have done our job. The core focus in the short term will be heading North to represent the black jersey and win three games in Europe,” the coach told All Blacks media.
The All Blacks XV will play two matches in England, against the Barbarians and England A, and a third match against Uruguay.
Some of the big names in the squad include David Havili of the Crusaders and Dalton Papali’i of the Blues.
All Blacks XV will meet the Barbarians on November 2, followed by England A on November 9 and Uruguay on November 16.
