New Zealand selectors Ian Foster, Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt have named the most experienced All Blacks squad to ever travel to a Rugby World Cup.
The three-time Webb Ellis Cup winners became the first team in Pool A to confirm their selection for Rugby World Cup 2023, with the 33 players sharing 1,493 caps at an average of 45 per man.
We will update this article when each Pool A squad is announced.
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Samuel Whitelock, the most-capped player in the All Blacks squad (145), has been selected for his fourth Rugby World Cup.
At the other end of the experience spectrum is scrum-half Cam Roigard, who won his sole cap in the 38-7 win against Australia last month and is one of 17 players in the squad preparing for their first taste of the showpiece tournament.
The New Zealand selectors have named 18 forwards and 15 backs on the plane to France, with captain Sam Cane one of six players set to feature in their third Rugby World Cup. A further nine players have appeared at one previously.
Four test centurions – Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith and Beauden Barrett – will make the trip to France for RWC 2023.
All Blacks coach Foster said: “We congratulate those 33 players selected. This group has grown in belief and is highly motivated to represent our country with pride in France, as we seek to be the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup four times.”
Forwards: Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Nepo Laulala, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’I, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane (captain), Shannon Frizell, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papli’I, Ardie Savea.
Backs: Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Will Jordan, Emoni Narawa, Mark Telea.
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