Lio-Willie embraces All Blacks 'curveball' after surprise Nations Championship call-up

Christian Lio-Willie was packing for his Super Rugby pre-season when All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie rang with news that changed his plans entirely. The 28-year-old Crusaders No.8 has been named in New Zealand’s squad for the November Nations Championship in Europe — and he describes it as the best kind of curveball.

Lio-Willie’s path back into the Test frame was shaped by two forces: a productive NPC campaign with Otago and a wave of injuries to All Blacks loose forwards. Shannon Frizell, Ardie Savea and Luke Jacobson are all unavailable for the tour, opening the door for the flanker, who has been selected ahead of Semisi Ta’eiloa despite Ta’eiloa featuring in the recent Greatest Rivalry squad to South Africa.

Earlier in the year, Rennie had called Lio-Willie personally to explain why he had missed out on that South Africa trip — a conversation the player says he valued for its honesty.

“He called me early in the year about me missing out on South Africa, and I appreciated that a lot because he was really honest about where I was at and why I missed out. I took that on, and just front-footed the target, and enjoyed my time, man, and it just brought out the best in me by leading those boys,” Lio-Willie said just before boarding his flight to London.

The selection carries added personal significance. Lio-Willie made his Test debut in the first All Blacks match of 2025 against France but was not seen in black again beyond that series. Previous involvement in All Blacks environments came as an injury replacement rather than a named squad member — making this call-up a milestone in its own right.

“I think the last time I was in as an injury replacement, and I’ve been in the environment previously as a replacement, and to be named officially for the first time, very special, man,” he said.

Lio-Willie was keen to stress that his NPC form was not driven by a desire to force his way back into Test contention. His focus throughout the domestic season was on helping Otago challenge for the championship, and he views the All Blacks recognition as a reward that arrived organically.

“When I was in NPC, I wasn’t really playing to get back in or didn’t have that at the front of mind. My front of mind was to win the championship with Otago and those boys, and I guess now that I’ve been noticed, it’s a special way to get back in as well.”

“Everything’s a bonus, man, and it’s a blessing in my eyes. I was actually preparing for the off-season and what was ahead, got the call, and I guess I’m here now. So I’m definitely going to put everything into it.”