‘Opportunity to grow’: Dalton Papali’i named 2025 All Blacks XV captain

2023 Rugby World Cup finalist Dalton Papali’i has been named captain of the All Blacks XV ahead of matches against the Barbarians in Brentford this weekend, England A in Bath, and Uruguay in the south of France.

All Blacks XV coach Jamie Joseph selected Papali’i and another seven internationally capped players in the squad for three matches up north, which starts in just a few days at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday (local time).

Brodie McAlister, Christian Lio-Willie, Folau Fakatava, Kyle Preston, Bradon Ennor, David Havili and Dallas McLeod have also played for the All Blacks, while others like Xavier Roe and Chay Fihaki have previously spent time in camp.

Papali’i was a long-term established All Black, playing in more than 30 Test matches since debuting in a one-sided win over Japan in 2018. The backrower made one international appearance this year, coming off the pine against France in Hamilton.

 

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After returning to provincial level with Counties Manukau, Papali’i started seven consecutive matches at either blindside flanker or No. 8, before returning to representative rugby with the All Blacks XV –  now set to lead the side as All Blacks Teams revealed online.

“The day before we went into our first day of camp in Auckland, Jamie [Joseph] gave me a call just to come in and have a meeting with him,” Papali’i said in a video on social media.

“Came in before the boys did and just had a good conversation with him, just talking about how would I feel taking on the captaincy role.

“Opportunity to grow myself again. I’ve captained the Blues and that and the younger grades so it’s pretty awesome. Didn’t take it lightly at first.

“It’s just a good opportunity for me just to not change myself but just lead through what I know I’m good at and that’s just by trying to show up every day and give it my all.

“It’s a pretty special moment for me, my little family, and mum and dad representing.”

Papali’i is one of six loose forwards in the 30-man squad, and one of three players from the Blues selected overall. Joseph also picked front-rower Josh Fusitua and second-rower Josh Beehre, who were part of the Super Rugby Pacific title-winning side of 2024.

Chiefs and Taranaki’s Kaylum Boshier, Devan Flanders from the Hurricanes, Highlanders backrower Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy from the Highlanders and Southland, Lio-Willie and Papali’i are the six loose forwards in the 2025 All Blacks XV.

“Get this old body working again. Had a good NPC and Blues season but there’s nothing like representing the black jersey,” Papali’i added.

“It’s going to be good, man. Looking forward to it.”