Late blooming roofer bolts into All Blacks squad

Late blooming roofer Kyle Preston has bolted into an injury ravaged All Blacks squad for the 2025 Rugby Championship.

The 25-year-old Wellington halfback had not even played a Super Rugby game before this year but immediately looked at home for the title-winning Crusaders.

Preston worked at a vet and supermarket before landing a job at a roofing company that allowed him to juggle his commitments and keep chasing his rugby dream.

Kyle Preston of Wellington looks on.

"I always had that belief in myself. But at times, for sure, you question if it's the right decision to make to keep pushing for it. But I'm just grateful that I stayed on track and kept pushing," he told Stuff after signing his first Super Rugby deal.

Preston's fitness is a strength and his 4 minute, 13 second bronco time is a Crusaders record.

Preston is in the New Zealand squad as injury cover for Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham, who will both miss the trip to Argentina for Tests on August 16 and 23 (AEST).

Simon Parker of the Chiefs at FMG Stadium.

Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Luke Jacobson and Caleb Clarke are also on the comeback trail from injuries while Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Asafo Aumua and Stephen Perofeta were not considered as they continue longer-term rehab.

Uncapped Chiefs loose forward Simon Parker has been named in the squad, while Leroy Carter and Tevita Mafileo are also in the mix for Test debuts after being named as cover for Clarke and Lomax respectively.

"Simon Parker had an impressive Super Rugby season with the Chiefs and brings a valuable skill set and physicality that we are looking forward to working with," All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said.

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.

"He has the ability to play blindside or No.8 and has gained experience in a number of New Zealand representative teams, so we believe he is ready for the step up.

"While we are clearly disappointed for our men who are currently recovering from injuries, that has also created opportunities for a number of deserving players including the uncapped Tevita Mafileo, Kyle Preston and Leroy Carter.

"These players have earned the opportunity through consistent performance, and we know that they will take this chance. We are excited about what they will bring to the squad.

Leroy Carter of the Chiefs during the round 15 Super Rugby Pacific match.

"It is also fantastic to have Tamaiti Williams and Wallace Sititi returning from their injuries, as well as welcoming Peter Lakai, Finlay Christie and Josh Lord back into the group," Robertson said.

"We have some massively exciting and challenging games ahead of us and we are looking forward to reassembling and getting to work, starting with two tests against a very strong Los Pumas side."

All Blacks Rugby Championship squad

Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Brodie McAlister

Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi

Locks: Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa'i, Fabian Holland

Loose Forwards: Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Luke Jacobson

Halfbacks: Cortez Ratima, Cameron Roigard, Noah Hotham

Five-eighths: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie

Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai

Outside Backs: Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Emoni Narawa, Will Jordan, Ruben Love

Injury Cover: George Bower, Tevita Mafileo, Josh Lord, Finlay Christie, Kyle Preston, Leroy Carter

Unavailable due to injury: Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Asafo Aumua, Stephen Perofeta