With the recruitment of a former Crusaders great back to New Zealand, Scott Robertson appears to have improved the playing stocks of the All Blacks.
Under their present selection policy, New Zealand is unable to choose players who are based abroad, but it appears that Robertson has persuaded a player who impressed him while he was at the Crusaders to return to the land of the long white cloud.
Of course, the player in issue is Leicester Fainga’anuku, who is presently employed by Toulon, a French Top 14 team.
Leicester Fainga’anuku will welcome back the All Blacks
As to a report published in the reputable French journal Midi Olympique, Fainga’anuku is scheduled to make a comeback to New Zealand by the conclusion of the 2024–2025 season.
Unless New Zealand Rugby makes an exemption for him, this would likely make him eligible for the All Blacks again ahead of the November 2025 internationals.
Under Robertson’s direction, Fainga’anuku excelled for the Crusaders, winning Super Rugby Pacific both years with 13 tries in 13 matches in 2023 and 10 in 16 the year prior.
In July 2022, he made his Test debut against Ireland after being called up to the All Blacks squad by previous head coach Ian Foster due to his success with the ‘Saders.
Jordie Barrett gives a timetable for his comeback in the All Blacks’ “damage” report, and the rookie gets called up.
Despite agreeing to sign a contract to join Toulon before of the competition, he would go on to earn six more Test caps, scoring five tries for the team, and being chosen for their 2023 Rugby World Cup squad.
In his first Top 14 season, Fainga’anuku has scored nine goals in 14 games for the team, maintaining his excellent form in France.
He has played primarily in the centres for Toulon, but he is also more than adept of playing on the wing, where in his last season with the team, he mostly appeared for the Crusaders.
Rivalry for Rieko Ioane
Robertson will have greater depth in both places upon his return to New Zealand, where he will compete with Rieko Ioane for the number 13 jumper and with a number of other talented players out wide.
After allegedly attempting to persuade Sam Whitelock to prolong his career until 2024, Fainga’anuku is not the only international celebrity that Robertson has made an effort to get back to New Zealand. But the veteran lock decided to hang up his boots completely instead.
After the All Blacks playmaker inked a contract with the Japanese team Toshiba Brave Lupus, Robertson has also indicated interest in bringing Richie Mo’unga back to New Zealand.
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