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Anton Segner: The story behind the rising All Blacks star

Anton Segner

Anton Segner. Image via Instagram @antonsegner7

Anton Segner is a German-born rugby union player who currently plays for the All Blacks and the Blues in Super Rugby. Born in Germany and shining in New Zealand, Segner has become one of the finest rugby players of his generation. Coming through as a promising youngster, Anton knew the career he wanted and pursued it.

With his family’s support, he moved from Germany to New Zealand and fulfilled his dream. Besides growing as a rugby player, Anton Segner has also found love in New Zealand with his partner, Hunter Kawana.

Indeed, a lot is yet to come from the talented youngster, but here are some details about rugby and his personal journey.

PROFILE SUMMARY

Full Name: Anton Segner

Date of birth: 24 July 2001 

Age: 25

Place of birth: Frankfurt, Germany

Height: 1.92 m

Weight: 108 kg

Father: Nicolaus Segner

Mother: Eva Segner

Partner: Hunter Kawana

Position: Flanker, Number 8

EARLY LIFE AND AGE

The talented loose forward was born on 24 July 2001 in Frankfurt, Germany, where he grew up. Anton Segner turned 25 years in 2026, the year he found his All Blacks breakthrough.

After shining in Germany as one of the finest youngsters, Anton joined SC 1880 Frankfurt, a rugby club, to develop his skills. After years in the academy, Anton needed an environment with a deeper rugby culture. At 15 years in 2017, he moved to New Zealand on a six-month exchange programme with Nelson College.

In 2019, Segner became Nelson College captain, and his impact was immediate. He led Nelson College to its first UC Championship title in 12 years.

Thanks to his high work rate, Anton impressed and made it into the New Zealand Schools in 2018, and then into the New Zealand U20s in 2020. With more exposure, he improved his leadership and physicality and progressed quickly at the Crusaders. Surely, it was only a matter of time before Anton Segner made his professional debut.

ANTON SEGNER’S PROFESSIONAL CAREER

After impressing in junior rugby, Anton Segner finally made his professional debut for Tasman Mako in the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup. His debut was a memorable one as they won 47 – 10 against Southland. In the same tournament, Anton Segner became the first German player to win the Mitre 10 Cup title.

Come 2024, Anton Segner moved from Tasman and signed for Auckland, where he continues to grow.

In 2021, Anton Segner joined the Blues in the Super Rugby on a three-year deal. Since then, he had been with the club, growing in influence, with his best year coming in the 2026 season. After the 2026 season, Anton Segner placed himself in the best seat for the All Blacks selection.

ALL BLACKS CAREER

After the All Blacks announced Dave Rennie as the new coach, he brought new ideas that gave several youngsters opportunities. Among them was Anton Segner, who got the chance and took it with both hands.

In June 2026, Segner was named as a forward in the New Zealand national rugby union team, the All Blacks, for the first time. Unfortunately, he did not get his All Blacks debut and had to be patient and continue working hard.

Come 11 July 2026, Anton Segner made his All Blacks debut against Italy. Once again, a wonderful debut for Anton as they won 47 – 17.

Anton continued his development, and he made it into the 2026 South Africa tour squad. He played some good rugby and became the man of the match against the Bulls in the third game of the tour.

Unfortunately, Anton Segner had to go back home after suffering an injury setback.

ANTON SEGNER’S LIFE AWAY FROM RUGBY

Away from rugby, Anton Segner has strong family support, as evidenced by his move from Germany to New Zealand. Anton Segner’s father is Nicolaus Segner, and his mother is Eva Segner.

Anton’s parents had been at the centre, giving him the support and the freedom to choose the career he wanted. They supported him all the way, being the last standing line of defence when he needed it.

At his All Blacks debut, his parents flew all the way from Germany to witness the special game. They supported him, cheered him and celebrated with him.

WHO IS ANTON SEGNER’S PARTNER?

With his parents and most of his family members, based in Germany, Anton Segner has found a family in his girlfriend, Hunter Kawana.

Well before his breakthrough, Hunter Kawana had been Anton’s supporting partner. She goes to games, watches him, supports him, and celebrates with him after good games. She does that, sharing on social media and all, showing how much she is proud of her girlfriend.

“All Black #1237 🖤 You are truly something else, my love, forever blessed to call you my partner @antonsegner7”, Hunter said, leaving Anton to also show back his love in the comments.

“☝️❤️‍🔥” Anton Segner replied to his girlfriend, triggering her other response.

“Love you all so much!!! 🖤🖤🖤 appreciate the support xxx,” she replied, making it a loving conversation between two lovers.

In trying to connect and learn more about Anton, Hunter flew to Germany to celebrate Anton’s birthday.

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