Leicester Fainga’anuku named as new All Black

Leicester Fainga'anuku has been named for a potential Test debut against Ireland, joining his fellow Tasman Mako team mates Finlay Christie, David Havili, Will Jordan & Sevu Reece.

In selecting the squad All Blacks Head Coach and selector Ian Foster said the first up challenge of the Steinlager Series with the Irish starting at a sold out Eden Park on 2 July was huge.

“This will be the biggest home series since the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour for the All Blacks. There are massive expectations all round and it will be immensely competitive.”

Foster along with fellow selectors Grant Fox and John Plumtree said this was an extremely difficult squad to select.

“We want to congratulate the six new caps in what will be a very special day for them and their families who I’m sure will be extremely proud of their achievements. We have a new group of exciting players who will be keen to make a difference in the All Black jersey.

Leicester Fainga’anuku

Born: October 11, 1999 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Age: 22

Physical: 1.88m, 109kg

Province: Tasman. Super Rugby team: Crusaders

A product of the Nelson College First XV, Fainga’anuku was a young star picked to carry on a career in representative rugby having represented New Zealand Schools, Junior Crusaders, Crusaders Development XV and the New Zealand Under-20 side.

He made his provincial debut for Tasman in 2018 and earned a spot in the Crusaders lineup against the Brumbies in 2019.

Fainga’anuku is a versatile back who can play both midfield and wing and was a key part of the Tasman Mako team that went back-to-back in the 2019 and 2020 NPC Premiership.

He further rose to prominence when picked for the North v South game in 2020, and has been in scintillating form for the Crusaders in their run to this year’s final.