All Blacks side to be named on June 3

The All Blacks side to tackle Ireland in a three-test series will be named on June 3.

Thirty players will be selected for the series, the All Blacks’ first action since lifting the World Cup last October. The team will be named in Auckland after round 15 of the Super 15. As well as Super Rugby, players in contention will be able to press their case at two training camps in May, giving new coach Steve Hansen a maiden taste of life as head coach. The Ireland series begins on June 9 at Eden Park in Auckland.

Meanwhile, the size of future All Blacks squads have been confirmed. Some 28 players will be selected for the new Rugby Championship featuring matches against Argentina, Australia and South Africa and 32 will be picked for the end-of-year tour to Scotland, Italy, Wales and England.