Kieran Read

Kieran Read was born on October 26, 1985, in Papakura, New Zealand. He grew up in the small town of Drury, and his early interests included rugby and cricket. Read would eventually become known as one of New Zealand's most talented rugby union players, captaining the national team, the All Blacks. His journey began in the heart of rugby country, where he was introduced to the sport at a young age. He attended Rosehill College in Papakura, where he excelled not only in sports but also academically.

Kieran Read made his debut for the New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks, on November 8, 2008, in a test match against Scotland at Murrayfield. This marked the beginning of what would be a highly successful international career. Read's performance as a number eight was impressive, showcasing his skills both in defense and attack. Over the years, he would grow to become one of the best players in his position, credited for his leadership qualities, athleticism, and tactical understanding of the game.

Kieran Read played a pivotal role in the New Zealand All Blacks' victorious 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign. On October 23, 2011, the All Blacks won the Rugby World Cup final against France at Eden Park in Auckland, New Zealand, with a score of 8-7. This was New Zealand's first World Cup win since 1987. Read's performance in the tournament was outstanding as he provided strength in the back row and contributed significantly to the team's overall success. His efforts were crucial in securing the narrow victory over the French team.

Kieran Read was named the International Rugby Board (IRB) Player of the Year on December 3, 2013. This prestigious award recognized his exceptional performance during the year where he played a key role in the All Blacks' unbeaten run for the year. Read's skills on the field were widely praised, showcasing his ability to dominate in various facets of the game including ball carrying, defense, lineouts, and his strategic prowess. His all-round abilities as a loose forward were fundamental to New Zealand's success during the international season.

On October 31, 2015, Kieran Read helped lead the New Zealand All Blacks to their second consecutive Rugby World Cup victory, defeating Australia 34-17 in the final held at Twickenham Stadium, England. Read was a key figure in the squad, contributing both offensively and defensively throughout the tournament. The victory cemented New Zealand's status as the dominant force in international rugby. This win also marked the first time a team had won back-to-back World Cup titles, with Read's leadership and experience being vital to the campaign's success.

In January 2017, Kieran Read was named the captain of the New Zealand All Blacks, succeeding Richie McCaw. Read's appointment came after having been a key part of the leadership group for many years. His leadership abilities were well-respected both within the team and by the broader rugby community. As captain, Read was responsible for guiding the team through test matches and major tournaments, bringing his experience, tactical insight, and motivational skills to bear on the squad's performance. Read captained the team until his retirement from international rugby in 2019.

On October 26, 2019, following the Rugby World Cup in Japan, Kieran Read announced his retirement from international rugby at the age of 34. His decision followed New Zealand's victory over Wales in the bronze medal match. Read retired as one of the most capped All Blacks in history, having played 127 tests. His career was celebrated for his contributions to New Zealand's rugby dominance, where he was known for his tireless work ethic, leadership, and tactical acumen. His retirement marked the end of an era for New Zealand rugby.

Kieran Read officially retired from professional rugby on May 15, 2021, after finishing the season with Toyota Verblitz in Japan. He concluded an illustrious career that spanned over a decade at the highest levels of the sport. Read's professional journey saw him achieve significant success with the Crusaders in Super Rugby, the All Blacks on the international stage, and more recently in Japan's domestic leagues. His influence extended beyond the field as he inspired many with his dedication, leadership, and sportsmanship throughout his career.