All Black Anton Lienert-Brown joins Savea and Retallick in Kobe

Kobe Steelers has officially announced the arrival of All Blacks and Chiefs centre Anton Lienert-Brown on a one-year contract.

The Wellington-born outside-centre, 30, will join his returning All Blacks teammate Ardie Savea at the club and will be reunited with Kobe’s co-captain and 2015 World Cup winner Brodie Retallick. League One's latest international signing will return to the Chiefs in 2027 and has signed with New Zealand Rugby until 2028.

Kiwi Dave Rennie’s side finished fifth last season and beat Shizuoka Blue Revs in the League One play-offs before falling to eventual champions Toshiba Brave Lupus in the semi-finals. Kobe defeated Robbie Deans’ Saitama Wild Knights in the third-place play-off.

The club announced the departure of nine players in June including ex-all Black Ngani Laumape and Scottish international George Turner.

Ardie Savea’s return was announced on 17 June and they have further illustrated their title ambitions for Rennie’s third season in charge in Hyogo by announcing the anticipated arrival of Lienert-Brown who has 85 caps for his country.

Kobe’s last domestic triumph came in 2019 when All Blacks superstar Dan Carter led them to the Top League (now League One) title.

Super Rugby Pacific runner-up Lienert-Brown, who featured for his country in the 3-0 home series whitewash against France, becomes the 13^th All Black to join the club which boasts a long and proud tradition of recruiting New Zealand internationals which started in 1996 with the arrival of Alan Whetton.

Kobe’s latest All Blacks star said: "I’m really looking forward to this next chapter in my career - connecting with some old friends from my Chiefs days, meeting new teammates, and immersing myself in Japanese culture.

“I’ve always loved the warmth of the people and the incredible food, and I can’t wait to experience it all. “Kobe is coming off the back of a strong season and playing some great rugby. I’m excited about meeting the fans and seeing what we can build together as a team for the 2025-26 League One season.”