FIVE BLUES SELECTED IN ALL BLACKS SQUAD

Five Blues players have been named in the All Blacks squad for the upcoming Nations Championship Southern Series, including a debut selection for Anton Segner.

The 34-man squad, announced by All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, will assemble in Auckland this week before opening their international campaign against France in Christchurch on 4 July. Tests against Italy in Wellington and Ireland in Auckland will follow.

Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu has been selected alongside fellow forwards Sam Darry and Segner, while Beauden Barrett and Caleb Clarke are among the backs named.

Segner’s selection marks a significant milestone in the 24-year-old's career, earning his first All Blacks call-up after an impressive Super Rugby Pacific campaign in Blues colours.

Tuipulotu returns to the national side for what will be his 57th Test appearance, while Darry continues his rise after making his All Blacks debut last season.

In the backs, Barrett has been named for his 145th Test campaign, while Clarke has earned another opportunity in the black jersey following another strong season on the wing.

The squad features four uncapped players, with Segner joined by Xavier Numia, Fehi Fineanganofo and Josh Moorby as first-time selections.