Emoni Narawa has spoken of his determination to make the most of his recall to the All Blacks' 44-man touring squad for the Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks, having endured a catalogue of injuries that has restricted him to just four Test appearances since his debut against Argentina in Mendoza in 2023.
His most recent cap came at Eden Park last year, where he scored the opening try inside two minutes before a collision with Handré Pollard under a high ball forced him from the field. What initially appeared to be a back injury was later diagnosed as a punctured lung and broken ribs, keeping him sidelined for eight months.
The misfortune continued into 2025. After returning for the Chiefs in Super Rugby, Narawa broke his foot and missed a further four months, and has also recently recovered from a wrist injury. It follows an earlier withdrawal from the 2023 Rugby World Cup squad due to a slipped disc.
"I probably haven't had the smoothest run in the All Blacks jersey. Luck just hasn't been on my side," Narawa told Radio New Zealand. "To be called back into the squad is pretty special and a reward for all those who helped my rehabilitation journey and my family. Hopefully that changes."
The 27-year-old, who can cover both wing and fullback, is considered Will Jordan's primary rival for the number 14 jersey. The tour opens against South Africa's URC franchises before three Tests against the Springboks in Johannesburg (twice) and Cape Town, with a fourth and final Test in Baltimore on 12 September.