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Warner Dearns rejected All Blacks switch as mere hearsay

Warner Dearns, 24, says informal approaches about a return to New Zealand and the All Blacks were hearsay, and switching sides was never an option.

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Key facts

  • In the teams' most recent meeting, in Tokyo in 2024, he assisted another two, one with a one-handed grab-and-go in midfield.
  • Warner Dearns, now 24, declined informal approaches about returning to New Zealand, sitting out three years and switching allegiance to the All…
  • Dearns did not want to go to Japan as a teenager. He is indebted to the country for its role in his development.

In the teams' most recent meeting, in Tokyo in 2024, he assisted another two, one with a one-handed grab-and-go in midfield.

Warner Dearns, now 24, declined informal approaches about returning to New Zealand, sitting out three years and switching allegiance to the All Blacks, the BBC reported. He called the possibility hearsay and said it was never an option.

Dearns did not want to go to Japan as a teenager. He is indebted to the country for its role in his development.

He now speaks the language fluently, and his son was born there. He was moved to tears during his adopted nation's anthem at the last World Cup.

If his side is to shock Twickenham, Dearns will need to marshal an extraordinary forward effort and produce showreel moments.

School coaches once added gymnastics to his work to complement his size and long-legged sprint, having him hurdle team-mates and perform flips to sharpen his agility.

Dig deeper

Who is Warner Dearns?

He is a New Zealand-born lock who plays for Japan and is expected to lead their forward effort.

What are the All Blacks?

They are New Zealand's men's national rugby union team, the side Dearns says he never considered joining.

Why would a switch mean sitting out three years?

Rugby eligibility rules generally require a player who has already represented one country to complete a multi-year stand-down before playing for another.

What is Twickenham?

It is England's national rugby stadium in London, so shocking Twickenham means Japan producing an upset on England's home ground.

Why does Japan matter in his career?

He did not want to move there as a teenager, but he credits the country with developing him and now has a family life there.

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