New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has named Scott Barrett as the new captain of the All Blacks.

Barrett succeeds Sam Cane, who resigned after leading New Zealand since 2020. Robertson named centre Jordie Barrett and loose forward Ardie Savea, who was selected as the 2023 world player of the year, his vice captains.

“I’m hugely honoured and grateful for the opportunity,” the 30-year-old Scott Barrett said at the squad unveiling in Christchurch.

“I’m excited about what’s ahead and understand it’s a huge job with a lot of pressure, but excited to see where this team is going.”

Since making his debut in 2016, the lock has appeared in 69 Test matches while wearing the renowned black shirt.

The older brother Beauden is also named, making three Barrett siblings members of the All Blacks team.

Robertson, who replaced Ian Foster as coach, selected five players without caps for his 32-man roster.

The new players are George Bell of the Canterbury Crusaders, prop Pasilio Tosi of the Wellington Hurricanes, centre Billy Proctor, and scrum-half Cortez Ratima of the Waikato Chiefs, as well as No. 8 Wallace Sititi.

England is the first opponent for New Zealand in Dunedin on July 6. A week later, they play Fiji in San Diego.

Photo by Adam Davy/PA Wire