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Rugby Union Biography

Brodie Retallick

“BJ”

New Zealander flag New Zealander · Whanganui, New Zealand · Born 9 June 1988

Lock

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New Zealand's most capped lock and one of the finest lineout operators in rugby history, a physical and intelligent player who has anchored the All Blacks' set-piece for well over a decade.

Brodie Retallick is a New Zealand lock and one of the finest second rows in world rugby history. World Rugby Player of the Year in 2014, his combination of exceptional lineout work, dominant scrummaging, and extraordinary dynamic ball-carrying make him the template for the modern lock. His consistency across over 100 Tests for the All Blacks has earned him widespread recognition as the benchmark for the position.

Famous For

Being the first forward to win World Rugby Player of the Year twice, in 2014 and 2018.

Playing Style

How They Played

Retallick combines traditional lock skills with exceptional mobility and ball-handling ability for his size. His lineout throwing accuracy and timing are exemplary, while his work rate around the field is remarkable for a forward of his stature. He possesses soft hands and excellent passing skills, often functioning as an additional playmaker in loose play.

Legacy

Lasting Impact

Retallick redefined the modern lock position by demonstrating that forwards could possess the skill set and mobility traditionally associated with backs. His influence helped establish a new template for second-row forwards in international rugby.

Honours & Achievements

Career Honours

  • Rugby World Cup Winner 2011
  • Rugby World Cup Winner 2015
  • The Rugby Championship Winner 2012
  • The Rugby Championship Winner 2013
  • The Rugby Championship Winner 2014
  • The Rugby Championship Winner 2016
  • The Rugby Championship Winner 2017
  • Super Rugby Champion 2012 (Chiefs)
  • Super Rugby Champion 2013 (Chiefs)
  • World Rugby Player of the Year 2014
  • IRB/World Rugby Team of the Year 2012
  • IRB/World Rugby Team of the Year 2014
  • IRB/World Rugby Team of the Year 2016
Club Career
Club Period Apps Tries Shirt
Chiefs2012–20231750#4
Hawke's Bay2010–201336
Kobelco Kobe Steelers2023–2024
New Zealander flag New Zealand1025
Career Journey

Timeline

2010 📌 Professional debut for Bay of Plenty
2012 🌍 All Blacks debut vs Ireland
2012 🏆 Rugby Championship winner with All Blacks
2013 🏆 Super Rugby champion with Chiefs
2014 🥇 World Rugby Player of the Year
2015 🏆 Rugby World Cup winner
2017 🎯 50th All Blacks cap
2019 🏆 Rugby World Cup winner