James Fisher-Harris has been appointed the new captain of the New Zealand test side, taking over from Jesse Bromwich.
A replacement for Bromwich, who retired from international rugby league earlier in the month, was expected to be announced ahead of the Kiwis’ Pacific Championships clash against Samoa on Saturday.
New Zealand officially handed the captaincy role to Fisher-Harris at a gathering in Auckland over the weekend.
Watch every match of The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Live on Kayo Sports. Starts THU 6 OCT 7:30PM AEDT. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
“It’s such a privilege and honour to be named to lead my country,” Fisher-Harris told NRL.com.
“I’m proud to represent my family and the people from where I’m from (in Northland). It’ll be a special moment leading my teammates out against Toa Samoa at Eden Park.”
Kiwis coach Michael Maguire said Fisher-Harris was the “natural choice” for the role.
“James has grown into a wonderful leader during my time with the Kiwis,” Maguire said.
“He was a natural choice to become captain for this campaign. He’s so respected by all our players and staff alike, very much a leader whose actions do the talking.”
The 27-year-old prop has played 11 games for the Kiwis since debuting against Scotland in late 2016.
He has captained his country once before, leading New Zealand out in a World Cup clash against Jamaica in 2022.
