Loose forward Anton Segner made New Zealand rugby history today becoming the first German player to be named in an All Blacks squad.
A year after towering Dutchman Fabian Holland was selected, the 24-year-old’s form for the Blues was rewarded when head coach Dave Rennie announced his first All Blacks squad of 34 for next month’s internationals.
Anton arrived at Nelson College on a rugby scholarship in 2017 and was made ist XV captain the following year.
He progressed to the New Zealand Schools and U20 sides and debuted for the Tasman Mako in 2020.
After 28 Mako matches he moved to Auckland, which he has captained, and this year he led the Blues in the later half of a tough season.
Anton has played in all three loose forward positions so the 1.92m and 108kg player appeals as a genuine bench option behind captain Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Simon Parker and Luke Jacobson.
Tasman Mako halfbacks Noah Hotham and Finlay Christie, who both played test rugby last year, missed then cut along with utility back Timoci Tavatavanawai, who made his All Blacks debut last season.
