Dog Dilemma and Dream Debut: Leroy Carter's All Blacks Adventure

Leroy Carter's dream call-up to New Zealand's Rugby Championship team nearly came unstuck due to an unexpected mishap involving his dog. The utility back, named as a replacement in Scott Robertson's All Blacks squad, discovered his passport had been chewed to pieces right before his departure to Argentina.

Speaking to New Zealand media, the 26-year-old recounted the incident. "I left my passport on the bedside table to send a photo to the team manager. Meanwhile, while my partner went to the gym, our dog managed to turn it into a chew toy," Carter explained.

Despite the emergency scramble, Carter remains optimistic. "There's no point in getting stressed about things out of my control," he stated. The All Blacks squad is set to depart for Argentina, where they will face the Pumas in the Rugby Championship opener.

Carter, who has prior experience representing New Zealand at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, earned his first All Blacks call-up following an impressive season with the Waikato Chiefs. Reflecting on the call confirming his selection, Carter expressed both surprise and excitement, describing the moment as overwhelmingly emotional.

(With inputs from agencies.)