German-born Blues loosie Anton Segner enters All Blacks conversation

Anton Segner is currently surging into serious All Blacks contention, standing on the cusp of becoming the first German-born player to represent New Zealand at the highest level.

Addressing the mounting noise surrounding his potential selection, Segner remains characteristically grounded.

"At the moment my whole focus is here and winning a championship with the Blues,” Segner said at training.

“If that’s what comes from it, then great, but it’s not really a conscious thought in the forefront of my mind to be honest."

His journey to this point has been a steady climb through the New Zealand ranks, beginning as a standout at Nelson College before representing Tasman in the NPC and then the Blues and Auckland.

His talent was recognized early in the South Island, where he served as captain of the Crusaders under-20s.

Despite that deep connection to the Crusaders' pathways, Segner made the call to head to Auckland, a decision fueled by the Blues' clear vision for his development.

He admits the opportunity to learn from established stars such as Akira Ioane, Hoskins Sotutu, and Dalton Papali’i was a major drawcard .

"I saw those three names straight away and I was like, 'man there's some knowledge in there that I could really pick apart and learn from.'"

The move north four years ago has paid dividends in 2026, as his current Super Rugby Pacific form is undeniably the best of his career, highlighted by an incredible streak where he has been named Man of the Match in his past three games.

Segner attributes this consistency to a relentless professional process.

"The public just sees what happens on game day, but it’s the work that goes on from Monday until game day which ends up making up the performance."

Physically, the 24-year-old feels he has reached a new peak that allows him to dominate collisions.

"The body’s starting to fill out a bit more than it was in the last couple of years. I feel a bit stronger in contact and a bit more explosive as well."

This physical evolution has bolstered his ability in all three loose-forward positions, a versatility that makes him a tactical Swiss Army knife for his coaches.

Segner finds it difficult to pick a favorite jersey.

"I like the lineout aspect that I get at number six, at number seven I like how you're a bit quicker to the defensive breakdown, I like the ball-carrying aspect that you get at number eight."

When asked if he believes he can be world-class in all three roles, he remains confident.

"I’d like to think so. If I keep working hard, I think so."

All that hard work is set to be rewarded with an All Blacks jersey, maybe as soon as the tour to South Africa where up to 50 players will be required.