WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Leicester Fainga'anuku has played 12 tests for New Zealand as a back but has been named as a loose forward in the squad for the Nations Championship rugby matches in Britain next month.

Fainga’anuku was formerly a wing or center but has demonstrated his versatility by playing on the side of the scrum for the Crusaders in Super Rugby this year.

That flexibility has won him a recall to the All Blacks' 36-strong squad which will play Scotland on Nov. 8, Wales on Nov. 15 and England on Nov. 22. New Zealand is unbeaten in the Championship after beating France, Italy and Ireland at home in July.

The squad named by coach Dave Rennie on Monday includes two new caps while several players are recalled in the absence of nine players who are unavailable due to injuries.

Prop Saula Ma'u and flyhalf Josh Jacomb are the only players in the squad yet to play a test. Back-rower Christian Lio-Willie returns for the first time this year along with one-test lock Jamie Hannah.

Centers Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown, flyhalf Richie Mo’unga, back-rowers Ethan Blackadder and Anton Segner, hooker Asafo Aumua and winger Fehi Fineanganofo all return after missing New Zealand's most recent test against Australia with injuries. Winger Chay Fihaki was retained after making his debut against Australia.

“This is a really strong squad we have selected," Rennie said. "It’s great to officially welcome George, Saula, Leicester, Christian, Jamie and Chay back into the squad. They have all shown fantastic form during the National Provincial Championship.

“Playing Scotland, Wales and England on consecutive weekends is a tough assignment. These are all proud rugby nations with passionate home crowds. We will embrace the challenge and the opportunity to build on our Bledisloe Cup performances."

Unavailable with injuries or for personal reasons were Ardie Savea, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Shannon Frizell, Tyrel Lomax, Leroy Carter, Ruben Love, Luke Jacobson, Caleb Clarke, Ollie Norris and Simon Parker.