Tone Ng Shiu in rare air as All Blacks Sevens recalibrate for 2026

Tone Ng Shiu is among just 15 players who have played in 50 or more tournaments for the All Blacks Sevens.

At 29, Ng Shiu is as exuberant as ever. He made his debut in 2017 and calls the All Blacks Sevens win in Dubai last November a career highlight. That tournament marked his 50th appearance in the black jersey.

“To win first up after the season we had last year was awesome,” Ng Shiu told RugbyPass.

“It was even more special performing the haka to three debutants and being the captain. We came back this season much better prepared physically and mentally. The management made some changes behind the scenes. I feel like the groundwork has been laid for a really good season.

“It’s unreal to get to 50 tournaments. I have so much respect for those who have gone before me. It still feels like they’re so far away. I was lucky to play with Joe Webber, Tim Mikkelson, Scott Curry, Dylan Collier, and even DJ Forbes. Each of them has taught me invaluable stuff.”

The All Blacks Sevens were fifth in Cape Town, but they did lose a group game to the hosts and eventual Cup winners, South Africa.

“It was disappointing to drop from first to fifth in a couple of days, but that’s Sevens,” Ng Shiu admitted.

“Playing South Africa in their own backyard is a privilege in its own right. The crowd was so loud you could hardly hear the calls. We do train in pressure scenarios, like needing a try to win the game on the last play or defending with six players. Nothing can really prepare you for the crowd. It’s disappointing that we didn’t stick to our roles. The more we do the basics correctly, the less difficult it is to do them under pressure.”

Riley Williams, Fletcher Morgan, Sam Clarke and Bradley Tocker are new names already introduced to the All Blacks Sevens this season. The pursuit of greater consistency will require patience. An improved culture and centralised training base in Mount Maunganui is already reaping dividends.

Jayden Keelan and Frank Vaenuku are two youngsters thriving. Vaenuku has added punch with his combative approach. Keelan proved a match-winner in Dubai, delivering an improbable offload in traffic to Brady Rush to win the semi-final with the last play against Fiji. In the final against Australia, Keelan surged 70 metres in the second half to settle the outcome.

“Jayden Keelan, he’s full of energy, that kid. Unfortunately, he won’t be with us for the next two tournaments due to a high ankle sprain. Building depth is important in a long season. The young guys bring a lot of energy and are always learning.”

Conserving energy in the searing heat of Singapore and Perth will be vital. The All Blacks Sevens won their first match in Singapore last year, beating the USA 29-14, before dropping three on the bounce to eventual cup winners Fiji 36-5, Great Britain 24-22, and Ireland 21-19. The All Black Sevens have won the Cup four times in the “Lion City” in 2002, 2005, 2023 and 2024.

In the 19-17 victory against Argentina in the 2023 final, it was an 85-metre try from Brady Rush, scored after a Pumas lineout fumble, that was the telling difference. In 2024, the All Blacks Sevens pipped Ireland 17-14. Leroy Carter (All Black), Fehi Fineanganofo (Hurricanes) and captain Dylan Collier scored tries.

The All Blacks Sevens are grouped with France, Argentina, and Australia. Southland Stags flyer Michael Mason will debut.

“Singapore and Perth are hard on the lungs, and I don’t breathe normally anyway,” Nh Shu laughed.

“I feel sorry for Great Britain coming from minus five degrees to 40. To win here, you have to dig deep and back your fitness.”

Most Tournaments for the All Blacks Sevens

Tim Mikkelson, 105
DJ Forbes, 94
Sam Dickson, 78
Scott Curry, 72
Dylan Collier, 71
Lote Raikabula, 70
Amasio Valence, 67
Regan Ware, 65
Sione Molia, 64
Tomasi Cama, 63
Joe Webber, 63
Eric Rush, 62
Kurt Baker, 53
Tone Ng Shiu, 51