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SportsGerman-born Anton Segner debuts for All Blacks in 40-21 win over Ireland
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Anton Segner, a 25-year-old from Frankfurt, Germany, has achieved a remarkable rugby fairy tale by debuting for the legendary New Zealand All Blacks. After moving to New Zealand as an exchange student ten years ago, Segner qualified for the national team through residency (over 60 months in the country). He made his first appearance as a halftime substitute against Italy (47-17 win) and on July 18, 2026, played in a 40-21 victory against Ireland at Eden Park in Auckland. Segner, a loose forward, performed the Haka before the match and is listed as player number 1237 in All Blacks history. His parents attended the Nations Championship games. Segner expressed pride in representing the All Blacks and noted the global appeal of the team, even in countries like Germany with weak rugby traditions.
Source report
A Remarkable Journey from Frankfurt to Eden Park
Anton Segner is writing one of the most unusual stories in world sports. The Hessian from Frankfurt has been wearing the legendary black jersey of the All Blacks for three weeks — and he is winning.
On Saturday, the All Blacks defeated Ireland 40-21 in Auckland. This marked Segner's second appearance for the team, following his halftime substitution against Italy (47-17).
From Exchange Student to National Player
Segner, a "Loose Forward" (third-row forward), first fell in love with the All Blacks as a child in Hesse, where he wore the iconic black jersey. Now, he officially holds the title of player number 1237 in All Blacks history.
Having lived in New Zealand for more than 60 months, he became eligible to play for the national team. His journey from exchange student to national player has taken ten years. Next week, he will celebrate his 25th birthday in New Zealand with his parents, who have been watching his first appearances at The Nations Championship from the stands.
Performing the Haka and Embracing the Culture
Before the game at Eden Park, Segner naturally performed the Haka, the legendary Maori war dance. New Zealand fans have embraced their new addition from 18,000 kilometers away.
"I'm only slowly becoming fully aware of what has happened," Segner said. "I enjoy every single step on this path."
He added: "It's something very special. I just try to be like a sponge and absorb as much knowledge as possible from these guys."
Global Recognition and Pride
Segner's rugby fairy tale has also reached his home country.
"I'm getting an incredible number of messages and congratulations. People write to me telling me how proud they are of me and how proud all of Rugby Germany is of me. Experiencing that is something very special."
He continued: "I think it shows that the All Blacks are much more than just New Zealand's national rugby team. They have an enormous global appeal and enjoy great respect everywhere — even in countries without a strong rugby tradition like Germany."
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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German Rugby Sensation Anton Segner Wins with All Blacks Against Ireland