FOUR BLUES NAMED FOR RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP

Four Blues players have been named in the 2025 All Blacks squad for the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship.

This week the All Blacks confirmed a 32-man squad and injury cover group for the upcoming Rugby Championship.

Patrick Tuipulotu, who returned to outstanding form in 2025 after recovering from injury, adds huge value to the locking stocks.

Beauden Barrett continues to be a key part of the All Blacks’ playmaking group holding the first five jersey alongside Damian McKenzie.

Rieko Ioane is back in black along with Caleb Clarke, who has been named in the squad but will remain in New Zealand for the early stages of the Championship while he recovers from an ankle injury.

Additionally, Finlay Christie has been named as injury cover for the halfback group.

The All Blacks will open their 2025 Rugby Championship campaign with back-to-back Tests in Argentina before returning home to face South Africa and Australia in September.

Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Fixtures (all times listed are NZT)

Sunday 16 August, 9.10am - All Blacks v Argentina, Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, Córdoba 

Sunday 23 August, 9.10am - All Blacks v Argentina, Vélez Sarsfield Stadium, Buenos Aires 

Saturday 6 September, 7.05pm – All Blacks v South Africa, Eden Park, Auckland 

Saturday 13 September, 7.05pm – All Blacks v South Africa, Sky Stadium, Wellington 

Saturday 27 September, 5.05pm – All Blacks v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland 

Saturday 4 October, 10.45pm – All Blacks v Australia, Optus Stadium, Perth