All Blacks and Chiefs lock Josh Lord re-signs with NZ Rugby until 2029

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Jason Ryan started with the All Blacks under Ian Foster in 2022. He’s now working for his third head coach in five years.

One of the tallest All Blacks in history has re-signed with New Zealand Rugby through to 2029.

All Blacks lock Josh Lord confirmed his long-term extension with the Chiefs and Taranaki on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old’s career has been beset by injuries, but he has consistently been picked in the All Blacks squad when fit and has made a strong start for the Chiefs in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific.

Four of Lord’s 12 tests came on last year’s northern tour. Starting in the 25-17 win over Scotland, he made an eye-catching break that demonstrated his excellent athleticism.

Lord’s mobility, his size and getting into the thick of the physical battle has made him popular with All Blacks coaches since his test debut in 2021.

At 2.03m, he is also mighty effective in the lineout and is only centimetres short of Mark Cooksley (2.05m) and Dominic Bird (2.06m) on the list of the tallest All Blacks.

Lord said the upcoming tour to South Africa in August and September, next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia and the British and Irish Lions’ tour of New Zealand in 2029 made re-signing easy.

“Hamilton, the Chiefs and Taranaki are home. This is where I’ve had the opportunity to grow and get better as a person. Four more years here is going to be good for my family and my footy,” Lord said in a statement.

Lord, born in Auckland and educated at Hamilton Boys’ High, also thanked the Chiefs for supporting him through his injury struggles.

His worst setback was an ACL injury in 2022. He joined the Chiefs in 2019 after impressing for Taranaki.

“They have shown a lot of faith in me, first as a young fella and then in the last few years when I’ve had a lot of injuries and they’ve continued that faith,” Lord said.

“It’s a team I love to play for – I love the fans and I love putting on the Chiefs jersey.”

Lord is likely to start again for the Chiefs when they host the Waratahs in Hamilton on Saturday night. Jono Gibbes’ team are fifth on 17 points after four wins and two losses.