{"id":19091,"date":"2023-06-18T19:42:32","date_gmt":"2023-06-18T07:42:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/?p=19091"},"modified":"2023-12-14T22:05:01","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T09:05:01","slug":"all-blacks-xv-squad-named-for-japan-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2023\/06\/18\/all-blacks-xv-squad-named-for-japan-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"ALL BLACKS XV SQUAD NAMED FOR JAPAN TOUR"},"content":{"rendered":"
The 30-strong All Blacks XV squad was selected by the All Blacks coaching team of Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan for the 2023 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup against Japan XV and Brave Blossoms.<\/div>\n
\n

The squad\u00a0includes nine players with Test experience including Aidan Ross, Asafo Aumua, Akira Ioane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber, Folau Fakatava, Stephen Perofeta, Brett Cameron and Jack Goodhue.<\/p>\n

Following their inaugural Northern tour last year, Leon MacDonald has again been named as All Blacks XV Head Coach alongside Assistant Coaches Clayton McMillan and Scott Hansen.<\/p>\n

The 30-strong All Blacks XV squad is as follows (age, Super Rugby club, province):<\/p>\n

Forwards:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Props<\/strong>
\nJermaine Ainsley (28, Highlanders, Otago)
\nOli Jager (27, Crusaders, Canterbury)
\nTevita Mafileo (25, Hurricanes, Bay of Plenty)
\nXavier Numia (24, Hurricanes, Wellington)
\nAidan Ross (27, Chiefs, Bay of Plenty)<\/p>\n

Hookers<\/strong>
\nAsafo Aumua (26, Hurricanes, Wellington)
\nRicky Riccitelli (28, Blues, Taranaki)
\nTyrone Thompson (23, Chiefs, Wellington)<\/p>\n

Locks<\/strong>
\nNaitoa Ah Kuoi (23, Chiefs, Bay of Plenty)
\nQuinten Strange (26, Crusaders, Tasman)
\nIsaia Walker-Leawere (26, Hurricanes, Hawke\u2019s Bay)<\/p>\n

Loose Forwards<\/strong>
\nBilly Harmon (28, Highlanders, Canterbury)
\nAkira Ioane (28, Blues, Auckland)
\nDu\u2019Plessis Kirifi (26, Hurricanes, Wellington)
\nChristian Lio-Willie (24, Crusaders, Otago)
\nPita Gus Sowakula (28, Chiefs, Taranaki)
\nCameron Suafoa (27, Blues, North Harbour)<\/p>\n

Backs:<\/strong>
\nHalfbacks<\/strong>
\nFolau Fakatava (23, Highlanders, Hawke\u2019s Bay)
\nBrad Weber (32, Chiefs, Hawke\u2019s Bay)<\/p>\n

First-five-eighths<\/strong>
\nBrett Cameron (26, Hurricanes, Manawat\u016b)
\nStephen Perofeta (26, Blues, Taranaki)<\/p>\n

Midfielders<\/strong>
\nJack Goodhue (27, Crusaders, Northland)
\nAlex Nankivell (26, Chiefs, Tasman)
\nBilly Proctor (24, Hurricanes, Wellington)
\nBailyn Sullivan (24, Hurricanes, Waikato)<\/p>\n

Outside Backs<\/strong>
\nSam Gilbert (24, Highlanders, Otago)
\nAJ Lam (24, Blues, Auckland)
\nRuben Love (22, Hurricanes, Wellington)
\nEtene Nanai-Seturo (23, Chiefs, Counties Manukau)
\nJona Nareki (25, Highlanders, Otago)<\/p>\n

The All Blacks XV assemble on 29 June, travelling to Tokyo where they compete for the 2023 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup kicking off Saturday 8 July, at Tokyo\u2019s historic Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo before a second match on Saturday, July 15 at Egao Kenko Stadium in Kumamoto.<\/p>\n

All Blacks XV Schedule:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 SATURDAY 8 JULY \u2013 Japan XV v All Blacks XV, 8.00PM, CHICHIBUNOMIYA RUGBY STADIUM, TOKYO<\/p>\n

\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 SATURDAY 15 JULY \u2013 Brave Blossoms v All Blacks XV, 9.05PM EGAO KENKO STADIUM, KUMAMOTO<\/p>\n

Both matches will be available live and on demand with Sky Sport.<\/p>\n

About All Blacks XV:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The All Blacks XV was launched as NZR\u2019s next senior national representative team after the All Blacks, as a critical high-performance pathway to the All Blacks. As the next senior national representative side, the All Blacks XV will have the same high expectations as the other Teams in Black.<\/p>\n

The All Blacks XV follows in the footsteps of similar teams which have assembled throughout New Zealand rugby’s history, including the Junior All Blacks, New Zealand A and Emerging Players.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The 30-strong All Blacks XV squad was selected by the All Blacks coaching team of Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan for the 2023 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup against Japan XV and Brave Blossoms. The squad\u00a0includes nine players with Test experience including Aidan Ross, Asafo Aumua, Akira Ioane, Pita Gus Sowakula, Brad Weber, Folau Fakatava,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19092,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"ALL BLACKS XV SQUAD NAMED FOR JAPAN TOUR\r\nhttps:\/\/wp.me\/p4wlzH-4XV \r\n\r\nThe 30-strong All Blacks XV squad was selected by the All Blacks coaching team of Ian Foster, Joe Schmidt and Jason Ryan for the 2023 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup against Japan XV and Brave Blossoms.","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rugbyheartland-news"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/GettyImages-1441167999__FocusFillWyItMC4xMiIsIi0wLjQ5IiwxMTAwLDQzMF0.jpg?fit=1100%2C430&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4wlzH-4XV","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":21731,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2024\/10\/08\/all-blacks-xv-squad-named-for-2024-northern-tour\/","url_meta":{"origin":19091,"position":0},"title":"All Blacks XV squad named for 2024 Northern Tour","author":"Kevin Hare","date":"October 8, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Ten players with All Blacks experience have been named in the All Blacks XV squad, ahead of their two match Northern Tour against Munster and Georgia next month. The 29-strong squad was jointly selected by the All Blacks and All Blacks XV coaching groups with the process led by respective\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/nzr2.jpg?fit=1200%2C626&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/nzr2.jpg?fit=1200%2C626&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/nzr2.jpg?fit=1200%2C626&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/nzr2.jpg?fit=1200%2C626&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/nzr2.jpg?fit=1200%2C626&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19180,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2023\/07\/06\/all-blacks-xv-team-named-for-first-clash-against-japan-xv\/","url_meta":{"origin":19091,"position":1},"title":"All Blacks XV team named for first clash against Japan XV","author":"admin_hland","date":"July 6, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"The All Blacks XV team has been named to play Japan XV at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday 8 July, kick-off at 5.00PM JST (8.00PM NZST). The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport. The matchday 23 is as follows (Super Rugby Club, Province) Xavier Numia (Hurricanes,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/358090306_228053123401302_6775096571402841327_n.jpg?fit=1200%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/358090306_228053123401302_6775096571402841327_n.jpg?fit=1200%2C750&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/358090306_228053123401302_6775096571402841327_n.jpg?fit=1200%2C750&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/358090306_228053123401302_6775096571402841327_n.jpg?fit=1200%2C750&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/358090306_228053123401302_6775096571402841327_n.jpg?fit=1200%2C750&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":21799,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2024\/11\/01\/all-blacks-xv-team-named-for-match-against-munster\/","url_meta":{"origin":19091,"position":2},"title":"All Blacks XV team named for match against Munster","author":"Kevin Hare","date":"November 1, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"All Blacks XV Head Coach Clayton McMillan alongside Assistant Coaches Jamie Mackintosh, Cory Jane and David Hill have named their All Blacks XV team to play Munster this Saturday at Thomond Park in Ireland. Du\u2019Plessis Kirifi will captain the All Blacks XV for the Northern Tour, with the support of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/465053443_516007661272512_7400172111737439546_n.jpg?fit=512%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":21824,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2024\/11\/08\/all-blacks-xv-team-named-for-match-against-georgia\/","url_meta":{"origin":19091,"position":3},"title":"All Blacks XV team named for match against Georgia","author":"Kevin Hare","date":"November 8, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"IMAGE CAPTION: Du'Plessis Kirifi and Quinn Tupaea, All Blacks XV v Munster, Thomond Park Ireland. IMAGE CREDIT: Ben Brady \/ Inpho. The All Blacks XV team has been named ahead of their second match of the Northern Tour against Georgia at GGL Stadium, Montpellier, France on Sunday 10 November, kick-off\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/xv24.jpg?fit=650%2C433&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/xv24.jpg?fit=650%2C433&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/xv24.jpg?fit=650%2C433&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":19230,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2023\/07\/13\/all-blacks-xv-team-named-for-clash-against-brave-blossoms\/","url_meta":{"origin":19091,"position":4},"title":"All Blacks XV team named for clash against Brave Blossoms","author":"admin_hland","date":"July 13, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"IMAGE CREDIT: Action Press \/ Smartframe by Toru Hanai CAPTION: All Blacks XV Stephen Perofeta\u00a0 scores try against Japan XV,\u00a0 at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo, July 08, 2023. The All Blacks XV team has been named ahead of their match against the Brave Blossoms at EGAO Kenko Stadium in Kumamoto\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ab15ddxx-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ab15ddxx-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ab15ddxx-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ab15ddxx-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/ab15ddxx-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":22593,"url":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/2025\/06\/23\/all-blacks-squad-named-to-face-france\/","url_meta":{"origin":19091,"position":5},"title":"All Blacks squad named to face France","author":"Kevin Hare","date":"June 23, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"All Blacks selectors Scott Robertson, Scott Hansen and Jason Ryan have named five new caps in their 33-strong squad for the 2025 Lipovitan-D July Series against France. The squad is as follows: (age, Super Rugby club, province, Test caps) * denotes new caps Hookers: Codie Taylor (34, Crusaders \/ Canterbury,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "RugbyHeartland News"","block_context":{"text":"RugbyHeartland News","link":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/category\/rugbyheartland-news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/511979089_1263577442099465_8111645027752131636_n.jpg?fit=512%2C640&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19091","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19091"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19091\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19093,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19091\/revisions\/19093"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19092"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19091"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rugbyheartland.co.nz\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}