All Blacks boost as Scott Robertson lures ex-Crusaders superstar back to New Zealand – report
Scott Robertson looks to have bolstered his All Blacks playing stocks.
Scott Robertson looks to have bolstered his All Blacks playing stocks by luring a former Crusaders superstar back to New Zealand.
New Zealand are unable to select overseas-based stars under their current selection policy but Robertson looks to have coaxed a player back to the land of the long white cloud and one who shone for him during his time at the Crusaders.
The player in question is of course Leicester Fainga’anuku who is currently plying his trade with French Top 14 club Toulon.
Leicester Fainga’anuku set for All Blacks’ return
According to a report by the respected French publication Midi Olympique, Fainga’anuku will return to New Zealand at the end of the 2024/25 season.
This would likely make him eligible for the All Blacks again ahead of the 2025 November internationals unless New Zealand Rugby make an exception for him.
Fainga’anuku starred for the Crusaders under Robertson’s leadership, scoring 13 tries in 13 appearances in 2023 after scoring 10 in 16 the year before – winning Super Rugby Pacific in both years.
His form with the ‘Saders earned him call-up to the All Blacks team under former head coach Ian Foster as he made his Test debut against Ireland in July 2022.
He would go on to earn a further six Test caps scoring five tries for the team and was selected in their 2023 Rugby World Cup squad despite signing a deal to join Toulon ahead of the tournament.
Fainga’anuku has continued his stellar form in France, dotting down nine times in 14 appearances for the side in his debut Top 14 season.
During his time with Toulon, he has featured mostly in the centres but is more than capable of playing on the wing too where he featured mostly for the Crusaders in his final season at the team.
Competition for Rieko Ioane
His return to New Zealand will provide Robertson with more depth in both positions as he rivals Rieko Ioane for the number 13 jumper and several other stars out wide.
Fainga’anuku is not the only overseas-based star that Robertson has attempted to lure back to New Zealand having reportedly tried to convince Sam Whitelock to extend his career into 2024. However, the experienced lock opted to hang up his boots altogether instead.
Robertson has also expressed interest in getting Richie Mo’unga back on New Zealand shores after the All Blacks playmaker signed a deal with Japanese club Toshiba Brave Lupus.
READ MORE: Richie Mo’unga makes All Blacks admission on day of Scott Robertson’s first team selection
