Devan Flanders, the Hurricanes loose forward, has started every game of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, fueling debate about his potential inclusion in the All Blacks squad. The 26-year-classic’s consistent performances, including a recent 80-minute effort in a 31-23 win over the Western Force on March 13, 2026, have drawn attention to his Test-level credentials, according to analysis on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
Flanders’ path to potential national selection is notable, given the depth of talent at loose forward in New Zealand rugby. He already has two years of selection for the All Blacks XV under his belt, having made his debut for the team against Munster on November 2, 2024, in a 38-14 victory. He was initially called into the All Blacks XV squad on October 30, 2024, as a replacement player.
The Hawke’s Bay player has been a regular starter for the Magpies since earning his first start against Canterbury on September 30, 2018, after making his debut against Southland on August 19, 2018. He initially signed with the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union in 2017, following a successful run with Hastings Boys’ High School First XV, where he was named man of the match after leading the team to victory in the 2017 National Top 4 final against Hamilton Boys’ High School.
Flanders attended Hastings Boys’ High School alongside future Hawke’s Bay teammates Folau Fakatava, Lincoln McClutchie, Danny Toala and Kianu Kereru-Symes. He helped his team to two National Top 4 finals, narrowly losing the first against Mount Albert Grammar School in 2016. He was also named in the Hurricanes U18 team in 2017.
Currently playing for both the Hurricanes in Super Rugby and Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship, Flanders’ statistics as of March 15, 2026, show 60 appearances for the Hurricanes and 77 appearances for Hawke’s Bay, with 50 and 75 points respectively. He also represented New Zealand U20s 11 times between 2018 and 2019, scoring 10 points.
Analysts note Flanders’ strong form in the NPC, contributing to the growing discussion surrounding his potential inclusion in the All Blacks. The Hurricanes’ rise to the top of the Super Rugby table, with Flanders playing a key role, has further intensified the debate.
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