All Blacks Add Four New Players for Rugby Championship

The All Blacks have announced their squad for the 2025 Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship, including several new faces and injury cover players. Chiefs loose forward Simon Parker, who has impressed in Super Rugby with his versatility to play blindside or No. 8, is set to make his test debut, reflecting his progression through New Zealand representative teams. Alongside Parker, uncapped players Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston, and Leroy Carter have been named as injury cover, while Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi return from injury. The squad, led by captain Scott Barrett and vice-captains Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett, will travel to Argentina to face the Pumas in the opening tests, followed by matches against South Africa and Australia. Head Coach Scott Robertson expressed confidence in the new players' abilities and readiness, emphasizing the exciting and challenging fixtures ahead. Several key players, including Tyrel Lomax and Caleb Clarke, will miss the initial matches due to injury recovery.