Oli Jager rewarded for persistence with All Blacks XV call up

New Brighton Prop Oli Jager has been rewarded for his continued persistence with a call up to the All Blacks XV, a big vote of confidence for the 27-year-old as he continues to take steps in the right direction.

For Jager, it is a selection that has been one that he has strived for, and is ‘ecstatic’ about. 

“I originally forgot the announcement was on,” said Jager, “I was in the other room in the house and my fiancee shouted out saying ‘you made it’, I wasn’t sure what I’d made but then it clicked and my phone started to blow up with congratulations from heaps of people, I’m really ecstatic about (the call up).” 

Originally from Dublin, the opportunity to represent the All Blacks XV also opens the door for a homecoming of sorts, with the side taking on Ireland A on the 4th of November in Dublin, before taking on the Barbarians on the 13th of November in London.  

“If I get the opportunity to play Ireland, it’ll be a really special time.” said Jager, “It’s going to be exciting, I’ll know a few of the boys in that team, so I’m sure there’ll be a bit of banter and chat on the field too.” 

While it creates an exciting opportunity for Jager, he’s not getting ahead of himself as he looks ahead to locking in an extra week with Canterbury.  

“The work isn’t finished yet, and you’ve got to keep working hard. We’ve got to try and play some good footy, and the focus stays on Canterbury, we’ve got a job to do yet.”