Kyle Preston, a late-blooming roofer from Wellington, has made his way into a depleted All Blacks squad for the 2025 Rugby Championship. At just 25 years old, Preston had not participated in Super Rugby until this year but quickly adapted, showcasing his abilities with the championship-winning Crusaders.
Before pursuing his rugby aspirations, Preston worked as a veterinarian assistant and in a supermarket until he secured a position at a roofing company that allowed him the flexibility to continue his training and playing. His determination paid off, and he expressed gratitude for staying committed to his rugby ambitions.
Remarkably, Preston’s fitness shines through, highlighted by achieving a record bronco time of 4 minutes and 13 seconds with the Crusaders. He has been called up to the New Zealand squad as injury cover, stepping in for halfbacks Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham, who are sidelined for upcoming tests against Argentina on August 16 and 23 (AEST).
Despite the disappointment of injuries hampering the squad, coach Scott Robertson is optimistic about the new talent being brought in. Alongside Preston, uncapped Chiefs’ loose forward Simon Parker is also joining the squad, with Leroy Carter and Tevita Mafileo in contention for Test debuts as they cover for injured players.
Scott Robertson praised Parker’s standout Super Rugby season and highlighted his versatility on the field, indicating that he has the potential to contribute significantly to the All Blacks. He acknowledged that the presence of Preston, along with other new squad members, is a silver lining amid the injury woes.
The All Blacks are gearing up for a challenging series, with the return of players like Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi, alongside familiar faces such as Peter Lakai, Finlay Christie, and Josh Lord. Robertson is eager to integrate these players as they prepare for tough matches against the highly regarded Los Pumas.
The All Blacks’ Rugby Championship squad features a mix of experienced and fresh talent across various positions, including notable regulars and promising debutants. Although injured players like Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, and Stephen Perofeta are unavailable, the team looks set to tackle the challenging fixtures ahead with optimism and enthusiasm.
In summary, Kyle Preston’s journey from roofer to All Black illustrates the power of perseverance in sport, making him a player to watch as the championship unfolds.