Fabian Holland’s rise in 2025 has been nothing short of extraordinary. In a year packed with blockbuster performances and intense competition for places in the All Blacks pack, the young lock has carved out a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most influential forwards. His numbers alone tell a compelling story, but it is his consistency, work rate, and impact in pressure moments that have elevated him into elite territory.
Across 12 games played this year, Holland has shown remarkable durability and trust from the coaching staff, averaging 67 minutes per match—an exceptional figure for a forward regularly involved in heavy collisions and set-piece battles. His stamina and ability to maintain high work rate deep into games have made him a cornerstone of New Zealand’s engine room.
Defensively, Holland has been immense. Recording 144 tackles with an impressive 90% tackle success rate, he has become one of the All Blacks’ most reliable enforcers. Whether shutting down opposition ball carriers or making crucial defensive stops inside the red zone, Holland’s presence has been felt in every match. His tackling form, accuracy, and aggression have also helped stabilise the All Blacks’ defensive structures during tight contests.
In the lineout—traditionally an area where the All Blacks demand precision—Holland has been nothing short of dominant. With 80 own lineouts won, he has become a primary aerial option, providing clean, consistent ball for the New Zealand backs and loosies. Even more impressive, he has registered 5 lineout steals, showcasing his intelligence, timing, and reading of opposition movements. These steals often shift momentum, and Holland’s ability to disrupt opposing set-pieces has become a weapon in itself.
Ball in hand, the towering lock has also contributed significantly. With 74 carries and 367 metres gained, Holland has added powerful runs, post-contact metres, and hard, direct carries that frequently put the All Blacks on the front foot. His willingness to take on defenders and absorb tackles has created space for teammates and maintained attacking continuity.
Off the field, Holland’s leadership and calm presence have also begun to shine. Despite his youth, he has handled pressure with the poise of a seasoned veteran and earned admiration across the rugby world.
In 2025, Fabian Holland isn’t just another promising talent—he’s a monster, a rising force, and arguably one of the most impactful All Blacks forwards of the season. With numbers like these and performances to match, his future in the black jersey looks frighteningly bright.
