Dave Rennie reveals surprise names involved in looming captaincy call

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has provided insight into the discussions about how he will decide his captain, ahead of the 2026 international season.

Rennie is yet to publicise the decision on who will be his captain in this two-year Rugby World Cup cycle, but has initiated conversations with some former players, and one other high-profile New Zealand athlete about leadership as a skill.

The more surprising inclusion to the conversations has been Houston Rockets big man and Kiwi basketballer Steven Adams, lending a hand with his leadership experience.

“Nah we haven’t picked the captain, we’ve spent a lot of time talking to last year’s leaders, obviously brought Gilbert Enoka back in, and Bert [Enoka] and I have been doing a bit of work on that space,” Rennie told media in Auckland.

“And so we had a two hour catch up with those guys, and invited people like Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, Keven Mealamu and actually, Steven Adams, and they spoke about their views around leadership.

“Bert had sent a few questions to them, and we had guys like Tana Umaga on that call, and then all the guys who are in the leadership group last year.

“So I think there will be a lot of talk about captaincy, but the ability to grow the leadership within the group is paramount for us.”

The 62-year-old currently coaches one of the possible captain candidates, Ardie Savea, in Japan, while incumbent All Blacks captain Scott Barrett is yet to return for his Crusaders in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Rennie admitted he would like the Crusaders to go deep into the playoffs, so that Barrett is able to take the field prior to the All Blacks’ season getting underway.

“Not sure concern is the right word, he’s had issues with the body over the last couple of years, so the break has been really good for him,” Rennie said.

“This time around he’s unfortunately picked up a little bit of an injury, which is going to delay his return, and so hopefully the Crusaders go well and make the playoffs, and he gets back in time to where the Crusaders jersey.”

When asked about whether the leadership group will include the majority of the same players, the Kobe Steelers head coach suggests the number of leaders may change.

“No, not necessarily, I guess we’ve got our target guys that we think they want to lead, and they’re prepared to challenge. So, yeah, that’ll take a little bit of time, but maybe the numbers will be less than what it was previously.”

Rennie is in New Zealand while his Kobelco Kobe Steelers side is on bye week, before returning to prepare for a semi-final in the Japan Rugby League One on May 30.