German history-maker Segner eyeing All Blacks chance against Ireland

BREAKING THROUGH: Anton Segner has had a meteoric and extraordinary journey to the All Blacks from Germany. Pic: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Rugby’s origins in Germany might date back to the mid-19th century, but the game’s hopes of taking off in the European country might be about to explode after Anton Segner’s extraordinary journey to the All Blacks.

Segner only arrived in New Zealand as a 15-year-old after falling in love with the game as a 10-year-old.

Three years later he was decked out in the All Blacks kit and by 15, having shown remarkable progress in local competitions, decided to move to New Zealand to pursue his career, where he accepted a scholarship to go to Nelson College.

Those at the school expected he might end up in the third XV. How wrong they were, as he spent three years entrenched in the first XV, including captaining the side.

Now, he’s All Black number 1236 after coming off the bench during his side's 47-17 win over Italy – and it’s not just all of New Zealand watching on, but Germany too.

"I'm getting plenty of comments and messages of support and people saying how proud all of German rugby is of me,” Segner, introduced to rugby by two English friends at an International School in Frankfurt, said at North Harbour Stadium on Tuesday.

“The German rugby president actually got in touch with me to say that all of German rugby is right behind you. People reaching out to my family members saying that what I've achieved is truly special, it's very special to see."

While rugby mad followers might know that the game is played in Germany, with the Munich Sevens previously a global event on the sevens circuit, the men’s national side’s highest World Rugby ranking is 22. Currently, it’s 35.

But even in a football-obsessed nation, Segner said the fact that his rise to the All Blacks had made a splash in the ocean back home in Europe showed that the team’s brand carried weight.

"It goes to show that the All Blacks are bigger than just a New Zealand rugby team,” he said.

“They definitely have a global impact and are respected globally, even in the non-rugby nations like Germany."

With the four-time FIFA World Champions bundled out early in the USA too, Segner said that the time to embrace rugby was now.

"That's an idea that I might have to raise. I think football time is over,” he quipped.

Anton Segner on the burst in New Zealand's win over Italy in Wellington. Pic: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Segner is the second European in as many years to pull on the All Blacks jersey after Fabian Holland’s incredible breakout season in 2025, which saw him crowned the game’s breakthrough player of the year. 

But the Dutch-born lock has barely played this year after dislocating his shoulder in the pre-season.

The loose-forward’s rise to the All Blacks came after a stunning season for the Blues under Vern Cotter.

He more than justified his selection against Italy on Saturday too, coming off the bench to start the second half when the All Blacks were holding a narrow 14-10 lead. They ended up winning 47-17.

Segner said he had taken a moment to reflect on his extraordinary story when returning from Wellington to Auckland.

“I guess it is still sinking in a bit for me. But on Sunday, travelling back, I had a bit of a moment to sort of digest it all,” he said.

But the 24-year-old said there was little time for romanticising the milestone, with Segner admitting attention had quickly turned to taming Ireland on Saturday.

“I obviously had the evening after the game in Wellington to celebrate with my teammates and with my family who were there as well,” he said.

“But then, yeah, your job, your next job focus is on straight away on Sunday. I mean, you watch your own game on Sunday and then on Monday you do your team reviews, and then you’re pretty much into your previews, and now it’s Tuesday, and we’re preparing for the Test on Saturday.” 

The German loose-forward, whose pace, abrasiveness and ability to find a hole makes him a dangerous player, added that the All Blacks were aware of the threat coming this weekend, with Ireland making it clear they planned on ending the country’s 32-year-old, 51-Test unbeaten streak at Eden Park.

“We’re going to have to roll up our sleeves. I mean, the Irish have got a good pack. So definitely at set piece, especially we’re going to have to be right on, as well as around the park,” he said.

“They pride themselves on their carry and clean. So for us on defence, it’s going to be about work ethic and putting bodies in front of theirs and making sure that we get lower than them. There have been a few key messages, especially around the forward pack.”