A plethora of All Blacks have been released to their provincial unions for the final regular season round of the Hilux NPC, featuring high-profile returns for Test veterans including Beauden Barrett and Jamie Hannah ahead of the upcoming Bledisloe Cup squad announcement.
The conclusion of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour has triggered a wave of player releases across New Zealand’s provincial rugby competition.
Beauden Barrett and Taranaki’s Squeeze for Wellington
The standout release brings 145-Test All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett back to Taranaki colours for the first time since 2020. Taranaki faces Wellington at Stadium Taranaki on Sunday, October 4.
Barrett could potentially start alongside his brother, Scott Barrett, who made his competitive return in 2026 last weekend against Hawke’s Bay. The timing coincides with intense competition for Dave Rennie’s 34-man Bledisloe Cup squad, which is scheduled for announcement on Tuesday. Barrett faces direct rivalry for playmaker positions against Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, and Josh Jacomb, who is also named in the Taranaki squad alongside Bradley Slater.
Jamie Hannah and Canterbury’s Southland Test
Among the forwards rejoining their provinces is lock Jamie Hannah, who traveled with the squad on the tour to South Africa. Hannah steps straight back into Canterbury’s lineup for their fixture against Southland. Canterbury will also welcome back Sam Darry for his first appearance of the season during their trip to Manawatu on Saturday, October 3, while George Bell plays his third match following a calf injury sustained during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.
Full Provincial Fixtures and Released All Blacks
| Date & Match | Released All Blacks |
|---|---|
| Thursday, October 1: Otago v Auckland | Otago: Saula Ma’u |
| Friday, October 2: Southland v Northland | Southland: Semisi Ta’eiloa; Northland: Simon Parker |
| Saturday, October 3: Manawatu v Canterbury | Canterbury: Sam Darry, George Bell |
| Saturday, October 3: Waikato v Tasman | Waikato: Cortez Ratima; Tasman: Noah Hotham, Timoci Tavatavanawai |
| Sunday, October 4: Taranaki v Wellington | Taranaki: Beauden Barrett, Bradley Slater, Josh Jacomb; Wellington: Siale Lauaki |
| Sunday, October 4: Bay of Plenty v North Harbour | Bay of Plenty: Emoni Narawa, Fehi Fineanganofo |
Other notable inclusions feature halfback Cortez Ratima lacing up for Waikato against Tasman following his return from a minor knee injury against Wellington. Tasman retains the services of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Noah Hotham, while Bay of Plenty incorporates Emoni Narawa and Fehi Fineanganofo into their squad for the clash against North Harbour.
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