Veterans Adam Blair and Isaac Luke have been named co-captains of the NZ Kiwis squad, when they tour England over October and November.
Stephen Kearney named the duo late this morning. The leading role was made vacant when incumbent Simon Mannering was ruled out of the tour for medical reasons earlier this week.
Blair first made an appearance for New Zealand at the 2006 Tri-Nations and scored the final try in the Kiwis' 2008 World Cup final victory over Australia. He then returned to the national side last year after a three year absence.
“He’s been in the programme for quite some time and knows what’s expected – I see it as a natural choice,” Kearny says.
Luke has played a total of 33 tests for New Zealand and in 2008 he made his debut in the Anzac test.
He was the driving force in South Sydney's 2014 premiership-winning campaign, despite missing the grand final due to a suspension.
He then led the Rabbitohs to victory at the 2015 Dick Smith NRL Auckland Nines.
“Issac is very highly respected within the group and, again, has been part of the programme for a long time,” says Kearney, who is still the youngest to hold the Kiwis captaincy.
The duo will lead a 23-strong team in England, with their first match scheduled for October 23.