All Blacks training squad revealed

New Zealand coach Steve Hansen, along with Assistant Coach Ian Foster and fellow selector Grant Fox, have named 38 players that will attend the All Blacks training camps ahead of the three-test series against France.

The usual suspects are all included in the squad, but a number of new faces will also make their first All Blacks training camp.

Four Blues players, Frank Halai, Steven Luatua, Charles Piutau and Francis Saili, have all been named in the training squad, with the Chiefs’ Ben Afeaki also getting the nod.

Brad Shields has been playing great rugby for the Hurricanes, along with prop Jeff Toomaga-Allen, and both have been added to the squad.

Dominic Bird and Tom Taylor will also be representing the Crusaders in the training squad.

Rene Ranger, one of the standout players of the season, has been included after being left out for the last few years.

Hansen will announce his final All Blacks squad for the June Test series against France on 2 June.

The players attending the camps are as follows:

Blues: Frank Halai, Steven Luatua, Keven Mealamu, Charles Piutau, Rene Ranger, Francis Saili, Piri Weepu and Ali Williams.

Chiefs: Ben Afeaki, Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Liam Messam and Brodie Retallick.

Hurricanes: Beauden Barrett, Dane Coles, Ben Franks, TJ Perenara, Julian Savea, Brad Shields, Conrad Smith, Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Victor Vito.

Crusaders: Dominic Bird, Daniel Carter, Wyatt Crockett, Israel Dagg, Owen Franks, Kieran Read, Luke Romano, Tom Taylor and Samuel Whitelock.

Highlanders: Hosea Gear, Andrew Hore, Ma’a Nonu, Aaron Smith, Ben Smith and Tony Woodcock.