All Blacks Name 44-Player Touring Squad for Historic Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour

New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has unveiled a 44-player All Blacks squad for the highly anticipated Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour, marking the nation's first full-scale rugby tour of South Africa in three decades. The extended squad will contest eight matches across South Africa and the United States, including four Test matches against the reigning world champion Springboks.

The tour revives one of international rugby's most celebrated traditions, with provincial fixtures returning alongside the four-Test Freedom Cup series. The final Test will be played in Baltimore, Maryland, marking the first Test match between New Zealand and South Africa to be staged in the United States.

Three Uncapped Players Earn Call-Ups

Among the biggest talking points was the inclusion of three uncapped players, who have been rewarded for impressive performances in Super Rugby Pacific.

Rennie praised the newcomers for earning their opportunities after consistently performing throughout the domestic season and believes they will benefit from the demanding tour schedule.

Experienced Core Returns

The touring squad also welcomes back several established All Blacks who missed portions of the international season through injury or selection.

• Rieko Ioane
• Ethan Blackadder
• George Bell
• Fabian Holland
• Ollie Norris
• Timoci Tavatavanawai
• Emoni Narawa

Their return provides additional depth across the squad as New Zealand prepares for what many consider one of the most physically demanding tours in world rugby.

Eight-Match Itinerary

Unlike a traditional Test-only series, the 2026 tour features provincial fixtures that echo the historic tours of the 20th century. The All Blacks will face the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions before contesting four Tests against the Springboks.

Historic Rivalry Renewed

The tour represents the first complete All Blacks tour of South Africa since 1996 and has been branded "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" through a joint commercial venture between New Zealand Rugby and SA Rugby. The initiative is designed to revive traditional touring rugby while creating new commercial opportunities through sponsorships, broadcasting rights and international fan engagement.

Both unions believe the expanded format will strengthen one of rugby's oldest rivalries while exposing the sport to new audiences, particularly in the United States ahead of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

Leadership and Depth

Rennie emphasized that every member of the 44-player squad is expected to play an important role over the six-week tour, given its demanding schedule and physical nature.

"This tour will require contributions from every player. The depth of this squad will be critical as we face some of the toughest opposition in world rugby over eight matches."

The squad combines experienced internationals with emerging talent, giving the coaching staff flexibility to rotate players while maintaining a high level of competition throughout the tour.

Looking Ahead

The All Blacks begin the tour against the Stormers before shifting focus toward the four-Test Freedom Cup series. With South Africa entering as reigning Rugby World Cup champions and New Zealand eager to reclaim supremacy, the series is expected to be one of the defining contests of the international rugby calendar.

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