Simon Parker Joins All Blacks for Rugby Championship Debut

Simon Parker, a loose forward, has earned his first call-up to the All Blacks squad, joining Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi for the upcoming Rugby Championship. The announcement came on Monday, with Parker being the sole uncapped player selected by coach Scott Robertson.

The inclusion follows an impressive Super Rugby season for Parker with the Chiefs, where he displayed a valuable skill set and physicality. Robertson expressed confidence in Parker, citing his ability to play multiple positions and experience with New Zealand representative teams as key attributes.

Despite the absence of injured players Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, and Stephen Perofeta, the squad is poised to challenge Los Pumas, with tests scheduled in Cordoba and Buenos Aires in August. Robertson emphasized the exciting opportunity for deserving players in the squad.

(With inputs from agencies.)