Zinzan Brooke was one of the most skilful forwards to have pulled on the famous All Blacks jersey. He possessed the flair and ability of a back, and combined this with the raw toughness and durability of an uncompromising back row specialist. Brought up on a dairy farm in North Auckland with four brothers and one sister, Zinzan has always been nothing but ultra-competitive with an innate desire to win. A talent that was spotted at junior level, Zinzan was selected to play for the national colts team, but it was while representing the New Zealand Sevens side in 1987, that he established himself as a standout player. Zinzan Brooke went on to become one of the greatest all most revered All Blacks of all time and now works extensively as a highly sought after rugby speaker to reminisce on his tremendous career.
Whilst he was out working on a construction site the call came to attend an All Blacks trial, a chance opportunity, Zinzan reiterates the importance of being prepared in life during his work as a rugby speaker to ensure that individuals make the most of opportunities they receive in any walk of life. The Mahurangi College student was selected for the 1987 World Cup squad and played in the pool match against Argentina at the age of 22, scoring the first of his 41 tries for the All Blacks. New Zealand went on to win their first ever Rugby World Cup tournament, a feat that puts Zinzan in an extremely elite bunch. During his work as a rugby speaker, Brooke discusses this unforgettable accomplishment while sharing hilarious and informative tales and anecdotes from his illustrious and distinguished career.
Zinzan went on to play in the 1991 and 1995 Rugby World Cup campaigns and it was in the ‘95 competition semi-final that the audacious Zinzan dropped a 47m drop goal, which is simply something that forwards don’t do, but he was no ordinary player. By the time Zinzan had played his last Test for the All Blacks in December 1997 against England at Twickenham aged 32, he had played a total of 100 matches for the All Blacks, captaining the team on 5 occasions scoring an impressive 195 points. A truly spectacular career, Zinzan shares advice on leadership, peak performance and maximising success during his work as a rugby speaker allowing him to resonate and engage with guests from all walks of life.
After this last match, Zinzan moved on from his New Zealand domestic team, The Auckland Blues (who he had led to two title wins) and signed a contract with Harlequins first as a player and then as a coach. On retiring from rugby, the entrepreneurial Zinzan now runs a successful recruitment and construction business along with a bed and breakfast in Windsor, Berkshire. An international captain, a genuine rugby hero, a business man and an all-round nice guy, Zinzan most definitely has stories, insight, knowledge and opinion to share with an audience. A rugby sensation and iconic figure, the mind-blowing and electrifying Zinzan Brooke is available to hire as a rugby speaker where he is certain to produce and contribute to a memorable and transformative occasion.
