It’s not every day a rookie bursts onto the international rugby scene and immediately makes headlines, but that’s exactly what Leroy Carter has done in 2025. The 23-year-old All Blacks winger, who just months ago was dazzling crowds on the sevens circuit, has made a seamless and electrifying transition to 15-a-side rugby. His journey from the fast-paced world of sevens to the bruising, tactical battles of test rugby has captured imaginations across New Zealand and beyond.
Carter’s rapid ascent began with his standout performances for the Chiefs in Super Rugby Pacific earlier this year. Having represented New Zealand at U20 level and then the All Blacks sevens team from 2022 to 2024, Carter’s rugby pedigree was never in doubt. But few expected him to adapt so quickly and effectively to the demands of the 15s game. In his debut Super Rugby Pacific season, he didn’t just find his feet—he soared, finishing joint-fourth in the competition’s try-scoring charts. That kind of form simply couldn’t be ignored by national selectors.
When the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship squad was announced, Carter’s name was on the list. His call-up, however, came in bittersweet fashion. Emoni Narawa, Carter’s Chiefs teammate and a close friend, was ruled out after sustaining an injury in the previous week’s 24-17 All Blacks victory over the Springboks at Eden Park. Carter, reflecting on the moment he learned of his selection, said, “There’s still quality wingers in front of me, I thought, and then I was gutted for Ronzo (Narawa). Great mate of mine. Played heaps of rugby with him, and to see him have a start like that and then go down, he’s had a pretty rough run, so I was pretty gutted for him.”
He continued, describing the suspense leading up to his debut: “I guess as everyone started recovering, Monday came around, I was like: ‘Oh, I could possibly be in here’. And then Tuesday came, and then boom, my name was up on the screen and I was like: ‘Oh!’ That was the first I knew about it. And then that’s when the heart really started going and then we’re pretty much straight into training. So I guess it was a good way to just get into it straight away.”
Carter’s All Blacks debut arrived in September 2025, when the men in black faced the reigning world champions, the Springboks, in Wellington. The stakes couldn’t have been higher, and the challenge more daunting. Not only was Carter stepping onto the field for his first Test, but he was also lining up opposite Cheslin Kolbe—two-time Rugby World Cup winner and widely considered one of the best wingers in the world.
“The whole week was pretty special,” Carter recalled. “Got to, obviously, (the) national anthem and then straight after that, I was like: ‘Don’t mess up the haka’. And then after the haka, you’re like, ‘Oh, now I’ve got to play 80’. So it was, and then not only play 80, but against the Springboks with Cheslin, marking him, which is arguably the best winger in the world right now. So it was definitely thrown in the deep end to see if I can swim. But, it was pretty cool.”
Thrown into the deep end, indeed. The match itself, however, was a tough one for the All Blacks. The Springboks delivered a resounding 43-10 victory—the heaviest defeat the All Blacks have ever suffered at Test level. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Carter’s individual performance stood out. Early in the first half, he crossed the try line with a well-taken finish, showcasing the speed and instinct that made him a star in sevens. That try marked the beginning of his Test career and offered a glimmer of hope for New Zealand fans amid a difficult afternoon.
Since that debut, Carter has continued to impress. In his first three appearances for the All Blacks, he’s managed to notch up three tries—an extraordinary strike rate for any player, let alone a newcomer. His pace, footwork, and composure under pressure have drawn praise from coaches and pundits alike. It’s not just his attacking prowess that’s turning heads, either; Carter’s work rate and willingness to learn have made him a valuable asset in both attack and defense.
The transition from sevens to 15s is no small feat. Sevens rugby, with its wide-open spaces and emphasis on speed, requires a different skill set and mindset compared to the structured, physical demands of the full game. Yet Carter has adapted with remarkable speed. His background in the sevens format has given him an edge in broken play situations, where his acceleration and ability to exploit space have already paid dividends for the All Blacks.
For Carter, the journey is just beginning. He’s quick to acknowledge the support he’s received from teammates and coaches, and he remains humble about his achievements. “There’s still a lot to learn,” he’s admitted in interviews, emphasizing his desire to keep improving and to make the most of every opportunity in the black jersey.
The All Blacks’ coaching staff have also been vocal about Carter’s potential. They’ve highlighted his professionalism, his hunger to improve, and his natural ability to read the game. In a squad brimming with talent, Carter’s emergence adds another layer of depth and excitement as New Zealand looks to rebuild and regroup after a challenging period.
As the Rugby Championship continues, all eyes will be on Carter to see how he develops. Can he maintain his try-scoring form? Will he cement his place in the starting lineup? And how will he fare as opponents begin to study his game more closely? These are the questions that keep fans and analysts buzzing.
One thing’s for sure: Leroy Carter’s story is far from finished. His meteoric rise is a testament to his talent, determination, and adaptability. With each match, he’s writing a new chapter—one that promises to be as thrilling as his debut. For now, the rugby world waits eagerly to see just how far this rookie sensation can go.
As the All Blacks prepare for their next challenge, Carter’s journey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration—a reminder that in rugby, as in life, opportunity can come when you least expect it, and it’s what you do with it that counts.
