Update to All Blacks travelling squad for Japan and Northern Tour

October 16, 2024
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Ultimate Rugby

The All Blacks have made three injury-enforced changes to the squad for the 2024 Lipovitan-D Challenge Cup match against Japan and the Northern Tour.

Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (fractured thumb) and Dalton Papali'i (upper hamstring) will not be available to travel with the squad on Thursday due to injury. That has created an opportunity for 21 year old Hurricanes and Wellington loose forward Peter Lakai, and 23 year old Chiefs and Taranaki lock Josh Lord to come into the squad.

"This is hugely disappointing for Ethan, Luke and Dalton, but we know they will be working on recovering well with a view to making themselves available again as soon as possible.

"This opens up opportunities for some other players though. We are excited to be welcoming Josh back into the group and giving Peter Lakai his chance to wear the All Blacks jersey," All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said.

In addition, seven members of the All Blacks XV squad will be travelling to Japan with the All Blacks as training cover:

Forwards (Position / Age / Super Rugby Club / Province)

Bradley Slater (Hooker / 26 / Chiefs / Taranaki)
George Bower (Prop / 32 / Crusaders / Otago)
Fabian Holland (Lock / 21 / Highlanders / Otago)
Christian Lio-Willie (Loose forward / 26 / Crusaders / Otago)
Oliver Haig (Loose forward / 22 / Highlanders / Otago)

Backs

Harry Plummer (First five-eighth / 26 / Blues / Auckland)
AJ Lam (Mid-fielder / 26 / Blues / Auckland)

These players will then join the All Blacks XV squad in Ireland, with the possible exception of one further call-up to cover the 36th spot in the All Blacks squad.

"We will assess the status of Ethan, Luke and Dalton's injuries prior to travelling to England, to determine whether we are going to require that additional injury cover," Robertson said.

The upcoming fixtures for the All Blacks are as follows: