The Māori All Blacks have a new captain and 11 uncapped players for two matches against the Japan XV in Tokyo and Scotland in Whangārei.

No major surprises in the All Blacks squad to face France next month with Highlanders lock Fabian Holland and outside back Timoci Tavatavanawai the two new players of note.

Ardie Savea has announced he will take up a one-year stint with the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in 2026 but still be available for the All Blacks next year.

Powerful wing Caleb Clarke has re-signed with the Blues, and New Zealand Rugby through to the end of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu and Blues Kurt Eklund after the win during the Super Rugby Pacific Qualifying Final over the Chiefs PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Blues have left it late to keep their season alive by beating the Chiefs 20-19 in Hamilton to reach the semifinals of Super Rugby

Chiefs Captain Luke Jacobson has re-signed with the franchise and New Zealand Rugby for another two years.

Chiefs and Bay of Plenty outside back Shaun Stevenson's time in New Zealand rugby is almost over.

An initial quarter slip before three quarters of dominance for the Tactix as they beat the Northern Mystics 61-50 in Rangiora.

A late try to replacement hooker George Bell has secured the Crusaders a 33-31 win over the Brumbies in Canberra.

Patrick Tuipulotu is staying with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby (NZR), until the end of the 2028 Super Rugby Pacific season

The Wellington Phoenix have lost arguably their biggest name player, striker Kosta Barbarouses, is leaving the A-League club.

The Crusaders have done just enough to overcome their determined South Island rivals and take over the top of the Super Rugby points table.

World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Wallace Sititi has committed for another two years with the Chiefs and New Zealand Rugby, signing a new contract until the end of 2027

Kick off times for the 2025 Rugby Championship have been confirmed with a couple of morning viewings to go with early evenings games for the All Blacks

The Chiefs have scored 32 unanswered points to beat the Crusaders 35-19 in Christchurch and stand alone at the top of the Super Rugby ladder.

All Blacks tighthead prop Pasilio Tosi and lock Sam Darry have recommitted to New Zealand Rugby.

Two-test All Black Billy Proctor, has recommitted to the Hurricanes and New Zealand Rugby through to 2027.

Crusaders prop George Bower has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby until the end of the 2027 season

Powerful All Blacks wing Mark Tele'a has taken up a Japanese club contract, potentially bringing his test career to a close.

Success for a couple of New Zealand doubles pairings in the United States this week.