Kieran Read is a current rugby union player who captains the New Zealand national side, he plays for domestic side the Crusaders in the Super Rugby. Read plays at number 8 or flanker and has enjoyed a very successful career to date, he is one of the most-capped rugby players in history and is one of only twenty dual World Cup winners. Read was the IRB Player of the Year in 2013 and has played 119 times for the All Blacks making him the third most-capped All Black in history.
His senior career starter for Canterbury in 2006, he played there until 2016 and earnt 37 caps. During his time at Canterbury, Read has played for Super Rugby side the Crusaders, he has played 150 times since signing for the club in 2007. In 2008, Read won his first piece of silverware with the Crusaders after winning the Super Rugby title. His latest piece of domestic silverware came in the 2018 Super Rugby final, the Crusaders beat the Lions 37-18 in a comfortable victory at home.
Read earnt his international debut in a 32-8 win against Scotland in 2008. It took until 2010 for Read to score his first international try, it came in a thrashing of Ireland as the All Blacks won 66-28. He was named in the 2011 World Cup squad and played a vital role in New Zealand’s successful campaign, the All Blacks became World Cup champions for the second time after beating France in a close encounter.
He played in all seven of the All Blacks 2015 World Cup campaign, this turned out to be his second World Cup success after a historic 34-17 win against Australia in the final. Read captained the squad in the final for the final few seconds due to a number of injuries, in 2016 he was promoted to captain on a permanent basis. Unfortunately, Read has had a number of injuries recently which has led to him confirming that he will not re-sign with the New Zealand squad for the 2019 World Cup.
Read is a charismatic and hilarious character that enhances the quality of any event, as a rugby speaker, he often discusses his record-breaking career, as well as talking about the importance of leadership, teamwork and how to overcome challenges.
