22-year-old Jack Goodhue has been named in the All Blacks Northern Tour squad after a stellar 2017 campaign with the Crusaders and Northland. Photo / Photosport.nz
22-year-old Jack Goodhue has been named in the All Blacks Northern Tour squad after a stellar 2017 campaign with the Crusaders and Northland. Photo / Photosport.nz
New All Blacks don't usually find out they're in the team over a cup of tea with their grandma, but that's how it happened for Jack Goodhue.
The 22-year-old Northland midfielder was one of four new caps named for the All Blacks northern tour, joining Wellington hooker Asafo Aumua, Tasmanprop Tim Perry and North Harbour wing Matt Duffie in the squad.
Kawakawa's Goodhue was enjoying some quality family time when he heard the news.
"I was having a cup of tea with grandma and granddad. I didn't know when the announcement was and then I got bombarded with texts," he said.
"Everyone was really excited. It was pretty great company to be in.
"To be officially named in the All Blacks squad is a dream come true. I'm not taking anything for granted and it's another step up to actually get on the field but that's the goal. I've got five games to make my debut and impress."
22-year-old Jack Goodhue has been named in the All Blacks Northern Tour squad after a stellar 2017 campaign with the Crusaders and Northland. Photo / Photosport.nz
The one time NZ Under-20 captain has enjoyed a stellar year for both the Crusaders and Northland, garnering a All Blacks call up during the British and Irish Lions Tour. But this is his first naming in the official squad.
While the tour was in the back of his mind, Goodhue just wanted to get through a good season with his home province.
"I was really looking forward to the season with the Taniwha and played some decent footy, which got me the bonus of the end of year tour. I'm over the moon.
"I don't know if I'll bring much to the squad, I'm just going to learn as much as I can. I learnt plenty while I was there during the Lions series and I know there's plenty more to learn."
He's certainly impressed the All Blacks coaches throughout the year. Assistant coach Ian Foster said they've had a close eye on the talented centre.
"Jack was with us during the Lions series and he's a very impressive young man," he said.
"We felt the best thing for him was to go back and play Mitre 10 Cup and he did that really well so we're looking forward to getting him in.
"He'll get some time, it's just a matter of when.
"Jack's backed up from an outstanding Super Rugby season. He's showed he has some great preparation systems off the park and that's delivering weekly results."
Goodhue has been a standout in both Super Rugby and Mitre 10 Cup in 2017. His rise to the top started in humble beginnings in Kawakawa at his parent's place, where he learnt the ropes in a staunch rugby household.
Bernard Goodhue, Jack's dad, said his brothers made him earn his stripes.
"The rugby on the lawn made both the twins (Josh and Jack). It really sorted them out. Axel definitely toughened them up. Cam too, but Axel was a few years older and he sorted them out in the yard," he said.
"Obviously we are really proud of him. It's extremely exciting for Kawakawa and everyone who's been involved with him.
"It's been a long run getting to this spot, he's taken some chances but the town has been behind him the whole way and I'm really happy about that."
The All Blacks play five matches on the tour, taking on the Barbarians, France, a France XV, Scotland and Wales.
All Blacks squad: Kieran Read (c), Asafo Aumua, Dane Coles, Nathan Harris, Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Kane Hames, Nepo Laulala, Tim Perry, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu, Samuel Whitelock, Sam Cane, Vaea Fifita, Jerome Kaino, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Matt Todd, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Lima Sopoaga, Ryan Crotty, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown, Sonny Bill Williams, David Havili, Matt Duffie, Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Waisake Naholo, Seta Tamanivalu.
