All Blacks coach Scott Robertson reveals who the fastest player in New Zealand is

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has revealed who the fastest player in New Zealand is, and it’s not one of his current squad members.

Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan are all known speedsters within the All Blacks, but according to Robertson the honour of the fastest player in New Zealand goes to Chiefs winger Leroy Carter.

The 26-year-old had a breakout season in his first year with the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific, finishing with nine tries which was equal fourth most in the competition.

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Carter joined the Chiefs after a career with the All Blacks Sevens, winning a world series title in 2023 and earning a nomination for the Sevens Men’s World Player of the Year.

On the discussion of how speed over size is becoming a preference for the top international teams in the wing position, Robertson singled out Carter as a sevens player who has come back to 15s with resounding success.

“It’s quite interesting around sevens players coming back into our game,” Robertson explained.

“Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Leroy Carter, they’re sevens players that have come back into 15s, they’re tough, great around the breakdown, good kick chasers, they are used to tackling 6’6 Fijians above the knee one-on-one.

“They’ve got speed which creates more opportunities. Leroy Carter is the fastest in New Zealand, statistically. It’s pretty incredible the opportunities that come just through his speed.

“Those boys in the Springboks have transitioned back [to 15s] incredibly well.”

Carter’s form with the Chiefs wasn’t enough to earn selection in Robertson’s first All Blacks squad to play France, with just two genuine wingers selected in Caleb Clarke and Sevu Reece.

But Robertson did say that Carter “was in the picture” and the selectors considered the dynamic Chiefs winger. Despite Carter’s form season, a preference for versatility may have played against him with Will Jordan, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane and even perhaps Ruben Love, all capable of playing wing.

On Rieko Ioane continually getting picked at centre, Robertson said that the Blues midfielder often finished games on the wing for the All Blacks, highlighting his versatility.

“A lot of the games he finished on the wing last year, we were mindful of the combinations when we first started,” he said.

“We had over 700 Test caps of experience last year and that was part of it [decision to keep Ioane at No.13] and ease him back into the wing.

“He played all of his Super Rugby at centre and that’s how we started. He did play wing and like I said, to play a couple of positions is really critical.

“He can definitely get on the wing and finish tries.”