Once a young boy in Germany dreamed of the black jersey, and now Anton Segner has turned that dream into reality. At age 24, he's been selected by Dave Rennie to join the All Blacks, marking him as the first German-born player to lace up for New Zealand's legendary squad. This isn't just a milestone; it's a testament to a relentless pursuit that began with a childhood vow.
Segner's passion for rugby ignited when New Zealand coaches introduced the sport at his local club in Frankfurt. His former coach, Kieran Manawatu, reminisced, "He just wanted to live like a Kiwi, and so he just copied us." It wasn't just playing rugby; Segner adopted a full Kiwi lifestyle, mastering the haka from YouTube videos and cutting out soft drinks after learning that "All Blacks don’t drink fizzy." His father, Tim Segner, noted, "Talk like a Kiwi, eat like a Kiwi, dress like a Kiwi."
His commitment deepened at 15, when he moved to Nelson College in New Zealand. The transition was tough on his family, particularly his mother, Eva, who recalled the poignant moment of departure: "When I dropped him off... I asked, ‘Do you really want to stay?’ He said, ‘If it takes this to be an All Black, I’m staying.’"
"He’s got that Kiwi slang, but inside he’s dead German stainless steel."
Segner's journey through rugby continued as he captained Nelson College, advanced through New Zealand Schools, the Junior All Blacks, Tasman, and finally the Blues. His exceptional performance in the Super Rugby season clinched his selection. Uli Byszio, former rugby director from Frankfurt, commented, "I am certain that this is only the start for him. He’s become maybe a little bit more relaxed, but he never, never, never leaves focus."
This transformative journey from a Frankfurt local club to the prestigious ranks of the All Blacks reflects not just personal ambition but a fusion of cultures—proving once again that rugby is more than a game; it's a bridge between worlds.