Seven Hurricanes named in first All Blacks squad of 2025
Seven Hurricanes have been included in the All Blacks squad to face France in the upcoming Lipovitan-D July Series.
Headlining the strong Hurricanes contingent in the 33-man squad is uncapped flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi.
After being called into the All Blacks as injury cover on two separate occasions in 2020 and 2024, Kirifi is line for a test debut following a series of standout displays throughout this year’s DHL Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
He joins Hurricanes teammates Tyrel Lomax, Ruben Love, Billy Proctor, Cam Roigard, and Pasilio Tosi in the All Blacks squad, all of whom return to the national side after featuring last year.
Jordie Barrett has also been named upon his return from his title-winning sabbatical with Irish side Leinster. Asafo Aumua and Peter Lakai have been listed as unavailable for selection due to injury.
Hurricanes head coach Clark Laidlaw is pleased with the Hurricanes’ representation in the national side, making particular note of Kirifi’s first callup.
"Huge congratulations and excitement from us, and to Dupes, in particular," Laidlaw said.
"Being named in the squad for the first time, it shows you what resilience and hard work and dedication for long periods can take you where you want to get to.
"His motivation and desire and work ethic to keep chipping away over the last few years when he's been knocking on the door, he's got the rewards now, and he's been named in the first squad of the year alongside all the other Hurricanes who were all in there last year.
"It's a real exciting few months ahead of them, but for Dupes in particular, a huge congratulations.
"Guys like Ruben and Pasi and Billy, for the second time, I'm sure they were just as nervous as everyone else getting ready to hear it. For those guys, second time around, the opportunity is to try and cement themselves in the 23 and fight for game time amongst a highly competitive squad."
The All Blacks kick-off their three-match series against France in Dunedin on July 5.
Hurricanes players named in All Blacks squad for Lipovitan-D July Series
Jordie Barrett
Du’Plessis Kirifi
Tyrel Lomax
Ruben Love
Billy Proctor
Cam Roigard
Pasilio Tosi
