All Blacks: Leicester Fainga’anuku ready to embrace hybrid role on Northern Tour

Leicester Fainga’anuku has returned to the All Blacks squad for the Northern Tour, expressing pride in his versatility and describing how wearing the black jersey "almost gives you superpowers." The 27-year-old has transitioned into a hybrid role between midfielder and loose forward across Super Rugby and the NPC, though his exact deployment remains to be seen ahead of matches against Scotland, Wales, and England.

Fainga’anuku last represented New Zealand in November 2025 before missing the South Africa tour with a fibula fracture and ankle sprain. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie previously noted Fainga’anuku's hybrid capacity could enable a 6-2 bench split. Fellow Crusaders Cristian Lio-Willie and George Bell also rejoin the touring party after respective injury setbacks.