All Blacks confirm 16 players will return to Provinces this weekend - Caleb Clarke included

The Rugby Championship takes a break this weekend after the first two rounds of action, before New Zealand host South Africa across back-to-back weekends. The All Blacks first take on the Springboks in their Auckland fortress of Eden Park on Saturday 6th September, before then hosting Rassie Erasamus' side down Sky Stadium, for a capital city clash in Wellington.

The upcoming fifth round of the Bunnings NPC will give fans a rare chance to see some of the All Blacks’ stars mixing it with local talent. Here's the players to look out for across the upcoming round of action, as the NPC returns to heat up New Zealand's North and South Islands.

Bay of Plenty are bolstered by the return of three All Blacks – Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter, and Tevita Mafileo, ahead of their trip to face North Harbour.

One to watch: Emoni Narawa made his Test debut for the All Blacks last year and is considered as one of New Zealand’s most exciting attacking prospects.

Hooker Brodie McAlister returns from the All Blacks fold, to add power up front for Canterbury.

All Blacks' break-out lock Josh Lord, one of the tallest New Zealand internationals in history at 6ft 9in, will once again pull on his beloved Taranaki colours.

Tasman are boosted by the return of their hard-running wing Timoci Tavatavanawai, who will look to get off the mark for the 2025 NPC season. Otago welcome back prop George Bower, who made his All Blacks debut in 2022, and is highly rated for his incredible scrummaging strength.

This one has serious Test match talent on both sides. Wellington call four All Blacks squad members back to the capital, as Kyle Preston, Ruben Love, Peter Lakai, and Asafo Aumua all prepare to return to Lions duties. Auckland welcome back blockbuster All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke, fresh off the recovery wards following a recent ankle injury.

One to watch: Clarke’s return is major news - the Blues man has 13 All Blacks tries to his name, since his All Blacks debut back in 2020.

Ranfurly Shield holders Waikato will field a stacked All Black contingent, as Anton Lienert-Brown, Luke Jacobson, Samipeni Finau, and Ollie Norris all line up in red, yellow and black.

One to watch: Lienert-Brown is one of the most experienced midfielders in the country, with over 60 Test caps, the playmaker will be central to Waikato’s Shield defence.

North Harbour v Bay of Plenty – North Harbour Stadium, 7.05pm NZ / 8.05am UK

Bay of Plenty: Emoni Narawa, Leroy Carter, Tevita Mafileo

Canterbury v Manawatū – Rangiora Showground Oval, 2.05pm NZ / 3.05am UK

Canterbury: Brodie McAlister

Counties Manukau v Taranaki – Navigation Homes Stadium, 2.05pm NZ / 3.05am UK

Tasman v Otago – Trafalgar Park, 7.05pm NZ / 8.05am UK

Tasman: Timoci Tavatavanawai

Otago: George Bower

Wellington v Auckland – Porirua Park, 2.05pm NZ / 3.05am UK

Wellington: Kyle Preston, Peter Lakai, Ruben Love, Asafo Aumua

Auckland: Caleb Clarke

Waikato v Southland – FMG Stadium Waikato, 4.35pm NZ / 5.35am UK