The 30-year-old has been chosen ahead of Ardie Savea – the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year – to be on the on-field figurehead for the new era under Scott Robertson.

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has named four new caps for the rugby test against France in Dunedin on Saturday.

The Panthers were led by Gio Loyola and Blayton Guy, and the senior duo was selected as the Holland Sentinel Co-Rugby Players of the Year. "This season was nothing short of incredible," Loyola said.

IRELAND have been hit with another injury blow as Aoife Wafer has again sustained a knee injury in the lead up to the World ...

Gallagher Insurance have also signed All Black and two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett as one of their global ambassadors.