Fainga’anuku was named in today's 36-man All Blacks squad for the upcoming three-match series against Ireland.
Fainga’anuku was one of six new names to feature in the squad, the others being Blues midfielder Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Chiefs loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula, Blues utility Stephen Perofeta and Chiefs prop Aiden Ross.
Ian Foster along with fellow selectors Grant Fox and John Plumtree said this was an extremely difficult squad to select.
"We want to congratulate the six new caps in what will be a very special day for them and their families who I'm sure will be extremely proud of their achievements.
"We have a new group of exciting players who will be keen to make a difference in the All Black jersey.
"We would also like to congratulate Sam Cane on resuming his role as All Black captain after injuries kept him sidelined for much of last year.
"It's also great to see Jack Goodhue back after his knee injury in 2020.
"You can often judge the strength of the All Blacks by the quality of the men who have missed out."
Foster said there will be a training camp in Tauranga this week for the non Super Rugby Pacific finalists with the full squad getting together first in Auckland and then in Northland from 20-24 June.
Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot and flanker Shannon Frizell were surprise omissions.
De Groot had backed up his debut international season with a strong Super Rugby season, while Frizell had been in strong form prior to a knee injury that left him out of the majority of the second half of Super Rugby.
Fakatava was a bright spot for a struggling Highlanders team this year.
The 22-year-old provided spark off the bench, often making an impact with his strong running game and defence, when injected for Aaron Smith.
SQUAD: Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Scott Barrett, George Bower, Sam Cane (c), Finlay Christie, Caleb Clarke, Dane Coles, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Folau Fakatava, Jack Goodhue, David Havili, Akira Ioane, Rieko Ioane, Will Jordan, Nepo Laulala, Josh Lord, Richie Mo’unga, Dalton Papalii, Stephen Perofeta, Sevu Reece, Brodie Retallick, Aiden Ross, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Hoskins Sotutu, Pita Gus Sowakula, Angus Ta’aoa, Samasoni Taukeiaho, Codie Taylor, Karl Tuinuku’afe, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Quinn Tupaea, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Whitelock.
