Kieran Read
Kieran Read is a retired professional rugby player from New Zealand, celebrated for his versatility and leadership on the field. Born in 1985 in Papakura, Auckland, he began his rugby journey in Drury before progressing to play for Rosehill College and eventually the Junior All Blacks. Read gained prominence as a loose forward, particularly at the number 8 position, earning accolades such as the Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Player of the Year and the IRB Player of the Year during his career. He made his international debut for the All Blacks in 2008 and played a key role in their victories at the Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015, later becoming the team captain in 2016.
With 127 international caps, Read stands as one of New Zealand's most capped players. Aside from his rugby achievements, he holds degrees in applied management and sport coaching, and after retiring from rugby in 2021, he ventured into leadership consulting. Outside of his professional life, he is married to Bridget, with whom he has three children. Read's journey is marked by his exceptional skill, strategic thinking, and strong leadership qualities, contributing significantly to his teams' successes throughout his illustrious career.
Kieran Read
Athlete
- Born: October 26, 1985
- Place of Birth: Auckland, New Zealand
Education: Rosehill College
Significance: Kieran Read played professional rugby for the New Zealand All Blacks national team, Crusaders Super Rugby and Counties Manukau Steelers. Widely considered one of the best forwards and most versatile players in the game, Read helped the All Blacks win two Rugby World Cup championships. As captain he also steered Canterbury to victory over Wellington at the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup.
Background
Kieran James Read was born in 1985 to Terry and Marilyn Read in Papakura, south Auckland. He and his two brothers spent their early years in Papakura before moving to Karaka in the late 1990s.
Read began playing rugby as a child in the town of Drury in Counties Manukau. He was considered a well-rounded athlete, with potential in several sports, including age-grade cricket, in which he reportedly would have represented New Zealand had he not sustained an injury. He was less physically imposing than other rugby players, however, and his selector said he appeared better suited for cricket. Because of his size, Read focused on strategy and became an intellectual player.
Read's interest gravitated toward rugby and, while attending secondary school at the state-run Rosehill College, played for the under-19s and under-21s before playing at the national level for the Junior All Blacks. At the International Rugby Board Under-19 World Championship in 2004, Read became the team's player of the tournament. Because Rosehill was not known for its athletics, Read and his teammates had to perform at a higher level than their opponents at schools with better rugby programs. This apparent disadvantage drove Read to improve his skills. His progress became evident as he played for the Junior All Blacks, and garnered him an invitation to the Crusaders, the Canterbury Super Rugby team, in 2006.
In 2005, Read began pursuing a bachelor of sport coaching degree at the University of Canterbury. After two years of study, his professional career put a hold on his academics, and he continued his degree intermittently thereafter. He eventually completed a degree in applied management and earned a diploma of sport and exercise science. After retirement, Read went into business as a leadership consultant.
A Versatile Player
Kieran Read has played many positions during his career, earning a reputation as a highly versatile player. However, he is best regarded at the loose forward position number 8. His performance at Canterbury in 2006, along with the rapport he generated with skipper Richie McCaw, led to immediate success. He played in the Super 14 tournament in 2007 and, as captain, led the team to win the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup.
In 2008 Read debuted internationally with the All Blacks, playing flank in a test against Scotland in a 32–6 win at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. He soon demonstrated an ability at number 8 as well and served in that capacity for the duration of his early international career. In 2010 the All Blacks swept the Tri-Nations tournament, and Read was commended for scoring tries in the final match against Australia. He also earned a reputation for tackling. Unfortunately, in the team's victory at their 2010 Grand Slam, Read injured a ligament in his knee during the final match against Wales.
Read also showed his prowess at number 8 while playing for the Crusaders on the Super Rugby level. In 2011, when McCaw was injured, Read was tabbed to replace him and that squad won ten matches with Read as skipper. Read stood in for McCaw in 2012 as well and became the regular team captain in 2013. For his ability at the number 8 position, he was named the Kelvin R. Tremain Memorial Player of the Year 2010 and the IRB Player of the Year 2013.
After joining the All Blacks in 2008, Read was increasingly recognized as a dominant player and an outstanding leader. In 2012, during his first turn as captain, he led the team to victory against Italy. In nine matches the All Blacks played with him as skipper, the team went undefeated. He also contributed to the All Blacks' championship victories at the Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015. In 2016 McCaw retired, leaving Read to skipper the All Blacks, and the following year Read signed with the All Blacks through 2019.
In 2017 Read made another pivotal career decision. After a decade of playing with distinction at Canterbury, he signed with the Counties Manukau Steelers, representing the province where he first learned the sport. Read announced this from his alma mater, Rosehill College, and declared that he would remain with the Crusaders, committing to playing New Zealand rugby year round at all levels. That same year fellow Crusader Sam Whitelock took over from Read as team captain, allowing Read to focus on leading the All Blacks.
Read led the All Blacks to a semi-final berth at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and retired from the national team in 2020. He finished his career with the All Blacks by playing in 127 international matches, third most in New Zealand history. In 2021, Read announced his retirement from professional rugby.
Impact
Early in his career, Kieran Read demonstrated the athleticism and skill that brought him recognition as one of the world's leading figures in rugby. In addition to winning awards individually, Read has helped his squads win major victories, including two Rugby World Cups. His intelligence and commitment to the tackle has garnered him a reputation as one of the best number 8s in the game. His strong leadership has benefitted him throughout his career at the provincial, Super Rugby and national levels.
Personal Life
Kieran Read and his wife, Bridget, met at Rosehill College. The couple have two daughters, Elle and Eden, and one son, Reuben.
Bibliography
"Ex-All Blacks Captain Kieran Read Retires." ESPN, 16 May 2021, www.espn.com/rugby/story/‗/id/31457684/ex-all-blacks-captain-kieran-read-retires. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
"Kieran Read Signs On with New Zealand Rugby through to 2019, Will Play for Counties Manukau." NewsHub, Media Works TV, 24 May 2017, www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2017/05/kieran-read-signs-on-with-new-zealand-rugby-through-to-2019.html. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
"Kieran's Story." Kieran Read Leadership, 2024, www.kieranread.co.nz/about. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
Leask, Anna. "All Black Captain Reads Father's Day Message." New Zealand Herald, 4 Sept. 2016, www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c‗id=4&objectid=11703514. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
Schofield, Daniel. "South Africa vs. New Zealand: All Blacks Mightily Relieved Kieran Read Chose Rugby over Cricket." The Telegraph, 2015, www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/newzealand/11952004/South-Africa-vs-New-Zealand-All-Blacks-mightily-relieved-Kieran-Read-chose-rugby-over-cricket.html. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.