All Blacks duo Simon Parker, Leroy Carter recommit to New Zealand Rugby until 2028

New Zealand Rugby has moved swiftly to lock down two All Blacks rookies through the next Rugby World Cup cycle, with Chiefs duo Simon Parker and Leroy Carter extending their contracts until the end of 2028.

Both players made their test debuts in 2025 and became regulars in the backend of the All Blacks tests. Loose forward Parker featured in eight tests during his first international season after debuting in the loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires, while winger Carter appeared six times, scoring a try on debut against the Springboks in Wellington.

Their pairs extension comes with halfback Cam Roigard extending his time with New Zealand Rugby (NZR) through until the end of 2029. It also comes less than a month after Scott Robertson was sacked as All Blacks coach.

Parker, 25, said committing his future to New Zealand was a straightforward decision as he enters a key stage of his career.

“I guess this is the sort of stage you start thinking about what’s next.

“It was a bit of a no-brainer for me and my family. We’ve got our family roots planted where we are, so it’s nice to have that security for the next couple of seasons.“

Carter’s rise has been one of the more rapid in recent years, making the successful switch from the All Blacks Sevens to focus on the 15-a-side game. He scored nine tries in his first Super Rugby Pacific season with the Chiefs and was named the club’s Rookie of the Year in 2025 before earning test selection.

“I don’t want to play for another club, so it was a pretty easy decision,” Carter said.

“It’s a club I grew up wanting to play for and a dream come true, so I’m excited to put pen to paper early doors and really looking forward to what’s ahead.”

The Chiefs kick off their 2026 Super Rugby campaign against the Blues in Auckland in what will be Jono Gibbes’ first match in charge of the side following the departure of Clayton McMillan.