German-born Anton Segner has taken an unconventional path to the All Blacks after arriving in New Zealand from the SC 1880 Frankfurt rugby club in 2017 on a six-month exchange programme with Nelson College as a 15-year-old. He quickly caught the eye of selectors at his new home and was picked for the New Zealand Schools in 2018, then New Zealand U20s in 2020 with his high work rate, physicality and leadership standing out. Segner progressed quickly through the Crusaders U18 and U20 teams, then a debut for Tasman in the NPC as a 19-year-old. His form and consistency led to a three-year Super Rugby contract with the Blues in 2024 and a move to Auckland where he has continued to grow as a player and leader. His influence was such that he captained the Blues with distinction through the second half of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.