New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie announces his first All Blacks squad for 2026, naming Ardie Savea as captain. Multiple outlets report that Savea is appointed as the team’s skipper for the Nations Championship and surrounding Test programme. Yahoo Sports and The Independent add that Savea stands in as captain while regular captain Scott Barrett is absent, indicating the role is tied to early matches in Rennie’s tenure.
The squad also includes at least one notable first call-up: Fehi Fineanganofo, a winger who is described as heading to Newcastle, receives his debut selection in the early group. BBC Sport and Yahoo Sports both highlight Fineanganofo’s inclusion as a key new addition.
Several reports frame the appointment as a major leadership step for Savea under Rennie’s new era, while other coverage presents it as part of a broader squad build ahead of a demanding Test schedule. Overall, the sources agree on Savea’s captaincy, Barrett’s absence around the initial matches, and Fineanganofo’s first call-up.
