Leicester Fainga'anuku included in All Blacks squad for northern tour as loose forward

Versatile back Leicester Fainga'anuku returns to the All Blacks squad for the first time this year and takes up a spot as a loose forward for the upcoming tour of the United Kingdom. Coach Dave Rennie named a group of thirty-six players for the Nations Championship matches, benefiting from several key injury returns while managing ongoing squad absences.

Squad Changes and Match Schedule

Fainga'anuku previously played twelve tests in the backline but joins the loose forward group after recovering from a broken leg and high ankle sprain suffered earlier this season. He showed strong form in the NPC alongside teammate Christian Lio-Willie, who also earns a recall. Other returning players include hooker George Bell, prop Saula Ma'u, lock Jamie Hannah, outside back Chay Fihaki, and midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown, alongside Richie Mo'unga and Ethan Blackadder after calf injuries. Regular skipper Ardie Savea remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, leaving Codie Taylor to captain the tour in his absence. Sidelined players also include Samisoni Taukei'aho and Shannon Frizell. The team flies out on Thursday after gathering in Auckland on Tuesday morning.

Context

The Nations Championship brings together top rugby teams from both hemispheres for a series of high-stakes international fixtures. Touring the UK in November presents a traditional test of depth for southern hemisphere squads facing passionate home crowds across consecutive weekends.