'Almost gives you superpowers': Fainga’anuku on what it means to wear the All Blacks jersey

Leicester Fainga’anuku is back with the All Blacks for the first time in nearly a year, but he isn’t entirely sure how he’ll be used.

The 27-year-old has taken on a hybrid role for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and Tasman in the NPC, switching between midfielder and loose forward and being named in the latter group for the Northern Tour.

Speaking before the squad flew to Europe from Auckland Airport, Fainga’anuku was excited to know how he would be used by the All Blacks for fixtures against Scotland, Wales and England.

“Personally, it’s something I truly take pride in. I don’t really see myself as a midfielder or a loosey or anywhere else.

“A hybrid’s definitely the title, something I take pride in, but at the same time, it’s something I demand of myself each week to be able to, I guess, cover those roles and the knowledge and also make sure that the tools that are required for us [are] polished and ready to go when the time comes.”

He wouldn’t say whether he had spent more time with the forwards or backs in sessions with the All Blacks so far, but explained how the role had impacted his pre-match preparation.

Leicester Fainga'anuku last played for the All Blacks in November 2025. Photo / Photosport

“I sort of got into this whole rhythm of things, obviously during Super Rugby.

“Like I think I mentioned before, you’ll be studying the lineouts during practice, but at the same time, in the back of your head, you’re sort of running through what your midfielders are trying to achieve during that week.

“Obviously, there’s a lot that it takes to prepare for multiple positions, but at the same time, like I said, it’s something I’m proud of and try, I guess, to stay on top of.

“But it makes it easier when you’ve got quality coaches who help you know that job and then even better when you’ve got quality teammates who make that job quite simple.”

Fainga’anuku last played for the All Blacks against Wales last November, but was sidelined from the tour of South Africa with a fibula fracture and ankle sprain sustained during the Crusaders’ Super Rugby semi-final against the Chiefs in June.

Leicester Fainga’anuku's return from injury saw him play as a loose forward for Tasman in the NPC. Photo / Photosport

His return to senior rugby suffered a slight setback after he was forced off for a head-injury assessment while playing for Tasman against Waikato, but said he had no issues heading into the Northern Tour.

“I’ve been feeling great, but as everyone knows, nothing gets close to test match footy.

“But one thing I realised is that black jersey does something special to you when you put it on, and almost gives you superpowers to go out there and do your thing.

“So, look, just really happy to be back and I guess just grab my piece of the pie and have a bit of fun too, which I’ve been missing out on.”

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie previously told Newstalk ZB he was keen to use Fainga’anuku in a hybrid role.

“He could definitely play a hybrid role. We talked about the fact that, if he’d have been available for South Africa, he’d be gold because he can cover midfield, cover wing, cover loose forward, and we’d end up potentially with a 6-2 split,” Rennie said.

Leicester Fainga'anuku started to establish himself as a hybrid player with the Crusaders during last season's Super Rugby campaign. Photo / Photosport

Fellow Crusaders players Cristian Lio-Willie and George Bell have also returned to the All Blacks, with both excited to leave their mark on the squad.

“This is pretty special because I think the last time I was in as an injury replacement and I’ve been in the environment as a replacement, and to be named officially for the first time is very special,” Lio-Willie said.

“[Rennie] called me early in the year about me missing out for South Africa and I appreciated that a lot, because he was really honest about where I was at and why I missed out.

“And I took that on and just front-footed with Otago and enjoyed my time, man, and just put the best out of myself by leading those boys.”

Meanwhile, Bell confirmed he was heading to Europe injury-free after returning early from the tour of South Africa with a calf injury.

Samuel Sherry is a live news and sport journalist for the New Zealand Herald, based in Auckland.