**Rugby Newcomer’s Test Debut Nearly Derailed by Passport-Eating Pooch**
The much-anticipated Test debut of New Zealand rugby star Leroy Carter was thrown into chaos this week after an unexpected mishap involving his pet dog and vital travel documents. Carter, who had earned a call-up to the All Blacks for the Rugby Championship, was almost prevented from taking flight to Argentina due to a classic case of canine mischief.
Carter, the versatile Chiefs player, joins three other uncapped players in coach Scott Robertson’s squad for the opening leg of the tournament against Los Pumas, set to take place on 16 August. The team will then remain in South America, preparing for a second fixture in Buenos Aires a week later. For Carter, whose career has rapidly ascended from Super Rugby and the Olympic stage with the New Zealand Sevens, the dream of wearing the iconic black jersey almost unravelled in extraordinary circumstances.
“Yesterday was definitely a scramble,” Carter said with a wry smile, recounting the series of events. “I’d left my passport out on the bedside table after taking a picture for the team manager. My partner headed off to the gym, leaving just the dog for company, and that’s when everything went wrong.” While unattended, his pet managed to leap onto the bed, seizing the opportunity to chew not only Carter’s passport but also his dental aligners – a costly and inconvenient snack.
Describing the ordeal, Carter added, “The whole situation was a shambles, really. As soon as I saw the state of the passport, I was straight on the phone trying to organise a replacement. Thankfully, it looks like it’s all been resolved – but it was definitely touch and go for a while.” Carter’s ability to find humour in the crisis no doubt helped him persevere through the frantic hours before the All Blacks’ scheduled departure.
Carter’s response to the passport fiasco revealed a level-headedness often prized in elite athletes. “Honestly, knowing my luck, I half expected something like this to happen to me,” he admitted. “You’ve just got to laugh and not let it stress you out too much.”
The 26-year-old’s call-up came as a welcome surprise, marking a significant milestone in a career that has already seen him excel on both the domestic and international stage. Recalling the moment he received the news, Carter said, “I got a call from a private number and just had a hunch I should answer. Next thing I knew, Scott Robertson was on the line congratulating me. The rest of the conversation’s a bit of a blur — I was just so shocked and thrilled.”
Robertson’s selections for the tour have included other exciting new faces: Simon Parker, the imposing 22-year-old back-rower and Carter’s Chiefs teammate, as well as prop Tevita Mafileo and scrum-half Kyle Preston. Commenting on the squad, Robertson highlighted the opportunities presented by injury absences: “While it’s disappointing not to have some of our usual starters, it’s allowed us to welcome deserving players like Tevita, Kyle, and Leroy into the environment.”
Speaking specifically about Parker, Robertson was complimentary: “Simon had a superb season for the Chiefs, showing the versatility and physicality we need. We’re eager to work with him and see how he adapts to the highest level.”
Carter’s close brush with misfortune ahead of a career-defining opportunity has certainly provided a cautionary tale for future travellers – keep your documents out of paw’s reach. Nevertheless, the ordeal has not diminished his enthusiasm: “Everyone’s been buzzing for me. It’s exciting, even if it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster.”
As the All Blacks prepare to set off for Argentina, Carter’s story serves as a quirky behind-the-scenes glimpse into the human side of sport’s most storied teams. All eyes will now turn to Buenos Aires, where a new generation of All Blacks, including a once passport-less Carter, are set to showcase their talents on one of rugby’s grandest stages.