Anton Segner poised to become Germany’s first All Black after ‘irresistible’ form for Blues
Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Dave Rennie said Anton Segner’s form for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific was “irresistible”.
Segner was one of four new caps in Rennie’s first squad for the July tests at against France, Italy and Ireland.
The 24-year-old would become the first German All Black if he makes his test debut.
Anton Segner’s form was so “irresistible” that Dave Rennie was wooed to select the German-born loose forward for the All Blacks for the first time.
The 24-year-old’s call-up as one of four new caps in Rennie’s first squad was the realisation of a dream after an excellent Super Rugby Pacific season with the Blues.
Raised in Frankfurt, Germany, he came to New Zealand in 2017 after being offered a rugby scholarship by Nelson College and hasn’t looked back. The former Crusaders under-20s captain is set to make history and become the first German All Black.
His story has attracted attention in his native land, with two film crews tracking his progress. After nine years away from home, Segner has joked he feels “almost half-Kiwi”.
He won four individual gongs in the Blues’ end-of-season awards and stood in as their captain for the first time towards the end of a disappointing campaign, which ended in five defeats until their eventual demise to the Hurricanes in the semifinals.
Segner still stood out and was preferred to Du’Plessis Kirifi, the openside flanker who was at the heart of the Hurricanes’ romp to the title and perhaps unlucky to miss out after playing eight tests last year.
Rennie made it clear Segner could not be ignored.
“He’s been solid everywhere. He’s an excellent lineout forward, the quality of his carry, he creates a lot of turnovers post tackle. He’s very excited to be here,” Rennie said on Monday.
The new All Blacks coach said Segner’s numbers through the season were incredible and highlighted how effective he was with carries into contact, an important asset if a team wants to batter through defences and get over the advantage line.
“Anton’s form has been irresistible,” Rennie said.
Segner, a tireless tackler, can play across the back row — his versatility likely gave him an edge over Kirifi — and has featured at blindside and openside flanker for the Blues.
He is also excellent in the lineout. He was the third best jumper for lineouts won in Super Rugby, only behind Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah and Reds flanker Joe Brial.
Segner does have a slighter frame than some of the giant loose forwards prowling around test rugby. That could be a challenge as he prepares to battle with the elite.
“I’m starting to fill out,” he said in April, revealing his playing weight had been nudged to 111kg through the season.
“I feel stronger in contact and a bit more explosive. I’m getting more used to my body.”
Rennie picked him alongside fellow loose forwards Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, new captain Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi and Luke Jacobson.
Competition is tough, but he might get his chance soon in next month’s three tests.
The All Blacks face France in Christchurch next Saturday night in the inaugural Nations Championship, with tests following against Italy in Wellington and Ireland in Auckland.
German and Dutch synergy
Not many young people emigrating to New Zealand from Europe become All Blacks.
An obvious comparison could be made with Highlanders lock Fabian Holland, the first Dutch All Black who was a revelation in test rugby last season. The two first clashed in First XV, with Holland playing for Christchurch Boys’ High before moving to Dunedin.
Holland is unavailable to Rennie because of a shoulder injury but might return for the tour to South Africa in August.
Turns out Segner and Holland, both formerly of New Zealand’s under-20s, once bonded on a car trip from Wellington to Palmerston North to attend a rugby training camp.
“Unless we talk about soccer, then we might not be best friends. We’ll see how we go in the [football] World Cup,” Segner said in April.
“He has a similar story. I’m nothing but proud of him. The way he’s been able to perform at that level is pretty cool. Gutted with his injury.”
Holland was 16 when first coming to New Zealand. Segner was 15.
“I’ve almost spent more time here than I have in Germany. Definitely, I’m almost half-Kiwi,” he said.
Patience in Auckland
Segner has bided his time since joining the Blues in 2022. Loose forwards ahead of him have been All Blacks such as Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i and Akira Ioane.
Playing next to Sotutu and Papali’i for most of this season, Segner has shined with Torian Barnes and Malachi Wrampling also showing promise in the Blues’ back row.
He prompted outgoing coach Vern Cotter to sing his praises after a breakout individual performance when the Blues beat the Highlanders 47-40 at Eden Park in April.
“If you look at his stats, he’s probably one of the outstanding loose forwards in the competition,” Cotter said at the time.
“Anton is playing exceptionally well, a very good lineout operator. He’s probably one of the most professional players I’ve seen around where he’s hard and accurate on himself.
“He is dedicated to becoming better. He doesn’t let anything slip aside. Whether it’s his upbringing, his background or his individual drive, he pushes himself to becoming very good.
“He wants people around him to be good as well because his job becomes easier.”
Segner was on the Crusaders’ books before heading to Auckland. After switching from Tasman in NPC, he was also Auckland’s skipper last year.
Now Segner is an All Black.