All Blacks Rookie Gets Passport After Dog Mishap

Leroy Carter, a 26-year-old utility back, faced an unexpected challenge when his dog chewed up his passport just days before his first All Blacks call-up as an injury replacement for the Rugby Championship. Carter, who previously played rugby sevens for New Zealand and had an impressive debut season with the Chiefs in Super Rugby, discovered the damage after leaving his passport on his bedside table for a team photo. Despite the setback, he quickly secured an emergency replacement passport and remained calm, saying he 'kind of expected something like this to happen.' Carter learned of his selection from head coach Scott Robertson while out with friends, leaving him emotional and in shock. The All Blacks are set to play Argentina in Cordoba and Buenos Aires in the opening rounds of the tournament. The incident highlights the unpredictable challenges athletes can face on their path to elite teams.