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Report: All Blacks snub Ricky Riccitelli signs with Top 14 club
By Ned Lester
Having missed selection for both the All Blacks and All Blacks XV, Super Rugby Pacific champion hooker Ricky Riccitelli has, according to French outlet Le Midi Libre, signed with Top 14 club Montpellier.
Since making the move north from the Hurricanes in 2022, the 29-year-old was able to emerge from the shadow of Dane Coles and Asafo Aumua as a starting quality Super Rugby hooker in his own right, enjoying a career year in 2024 as a major component of the Auckland club's championship campaign.
When Samisoni Taukei'aho went down in the Chiefs' semi-final win over the Hurricanes, the All Blacks door opened for Riccitelli, but, instead of the South African-born talent whom many saw as New Zealand's form hooker outside of Asafo Aumua, national selectors went with young Crusader George Bell.
Age profile was the assumed reason for Riccitelli's omission, but the hooker's absence from the All Blacks XV squad named in October could be seen as a damning end to his ambition for a black jersey.
With the timing of this reported signing, fans may be left to ask what came first; the All Blacks XV omission or the contract discussions with the Top 14 heavyweights.
With Codie Taylor set to miss the All Blacks' upcoming Test against Ireland after suffering a concussion in the win over England, the opportunity to join the squad as injury cover has been awarded to Brodie McAlister, an opportunity that could have fallen to Riccitelli if he was part of the national development squad.
Riccitelli is currently contracted with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby for the 2025 season, meaning his departure would come after the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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