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New Zealand rugby team. Author Specialty of Edo Village.

10 Most Famous New Zealand Rugby Players of All Time

New Zealand is a country that is known for its participation in various sporting activities. One of the major sporting activities that New Zealand are best in is Rugby. The New Zealand national rugby union team which is commonly known as the All Black represents New Zealand in the men’s international rugby union.

Rugby is considered New Zealand’s national sport that has top players who have played for the country and others who are active. The New Zealand Rugby team won the Rugby World Cup in 1987, 2011 and 2015.

New Zealand is the first country to win the Rugby World Cup on three occasions. They are ranked among the best countries in the world in rugby.

Here are the 10 Most Famous New Zealand Rugby Players of All Time:

1. Charles Monro

Without Charles John Monro, rugby could not have been introduced to New Zealand. He was also referred to as Charles Munro by his clan name.

Charles Munro is credited for introducing rugby union to New Zealand. He attended Nelson college and became familiar with the sport of rugby at Christ’s College in Finchley near London. Charles introduced the game to New Zealand where it was played under the new rules and the new Gilbert ball.

He established the game such that he organised, selected and coached a Wellington team. Charles Munro also played for Nelson’s team and refereed some games too.

2. Jonah Lomu

The rugby union player from New Zealand Jonah Lomu plays for the French club Marseille. Author Blackcat.

Jonah Tali Lomu was a very impressive and versatile rugby player who was admired by all and feared by many. Lomu was the youngest ever All-Black when he played his international game in 1994 at the age of 19 years and 45 days.

Jonah had impressive speed, an imposing physique and a penchant for charging down the right side into the defending side. He was a reckoned force that helped his side win in several matches that the All-Black played.

One of the brilliant moments by Jonah Lomu was at the 1995 World Cup against England. He rampage through several of the England players and scored one of the most memorable rugby tries in history. Lomu scored 37 tries, 15 of which were during World Cup matches and played 63 tests for New Zealand.

3. Colin Meads

Sir Colin Earl Meads is regarded as one of the most iconic rugby players of his time in New Zealand. He was named New Zealand’s Player of the Century in 1999 due to his impressive career playing for the All Blacks.

His huge blocky size and presence made him get the nickname Pinetree which was previously given to him by his teammate. Sir Colin was deemed the most famous rugby forward by the International Rugby Hall of Fame due to how he bullied his opponents.

4. Richie McCaw

Richie McCaw and the Webb Ellis cup after the Rugby World Cup final in 2011.Author Jeanfrancois Beausejour.

Richie McCaw, the legendary captain of the All Blacks is regarded as one of the best talents for New Zealand during his playing time. His achievements during his impressive career speak more rather than the praise from the media.

His lightning speed, impressive physique and stature helped him get all the success he enjoyed in his career with the New Zealand Rugby team. Richie played a total of 148 tests in his career winning 110 of them as he captained the team to two Rugby World Cup victories.

5. George Nepia

Maori Rugby Union tour of Australia, 1935. Captain, G. Nepia. Unknown Author.

Nepia is regarded as one of the All Black’s first superstars during his playtime for the New Zealand Rugby team. He made his debut for the team at the age of 19 and was on the Invincibles tour of the United Kingdom and France.

George Nepia was not that type of a bulk player but he played as a fullback who was a utility player for his side. He was not allowed to join his team on the South Africa tour due to his Maori ethnicity.

6. Beauden John Barrett

Beauden John Barrett. Author Tokuzo in Edomura.

Beauden Barrett is a New Zealand Rugby union player who is highly praised for his versatility for his team. He plays a s a fly-half and fullback for Taranaki and the New Zealand national team.

Barrett has always been an integral player for the All Blacks as he is a block for the team who never makes major mistakes while playing. He was a key member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup winning team. His major achievements are so impressive during his career.

He won the World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2016 and 2017 making him th3 second player to win it in back-to-back years. Barrett also has several awards in his locker.

7. Rieko Edward Loane

Rieko Edward is among the youngest players to debut for the All Blacks team in their careers. At the age of 19, the fearsome player who plays as a wing or as a centre debuted for the All Blacks.

Rieko is arguably one of the most important and exciting blocks of a player for the All Blacks team. He has presented his team in several competitions including in the Sevens World Series and Auckland Grammar School competitions.

8. Dane Stuart Coles

He plays as a hooker for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby who also played for New Zealand’s All Blacks since 2012. Dane is a perfect definition of a modern-day hooker who plays simple but straight rugby.

He never sacrifices mass or power for breakdown phases but he is always mobile across the field. Dane is also best at producing high-quality passes to his teammates, a skill that makes him more important.

9. William Thomas Jordan

The 24 years old Rugby player plays as a wing or fullback for the Tasman Mako and the All Blacks. William Thomas, a heavily built but pacy player is known for his contribution to his team.

He has achieved a lot with the All Blacks as he received the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Award in 2021.

10. Kieran James Read

New Zealand rugby union player Kieran Read and the rest of the All Blacks visit Christchurch during the Rugby World Cup. Author Geoff Trotter.

Born on 26th October 1985, Kieran James Read is a renowned New Zealand former rugby player. A block of a person, Kieran was an excellent number 8 who was also the captain of the New Zealand All Blacks.

He captained the All Blacks 52 times getting multiple awards in the process. Kieran is one of the 20 players to have won multiple Rugby World Cups.