Kieran Read

New Zealand number eight and World Cup-winning captain whose tactical intelligence, outstanding lineout work and powerful carrying made him the most complete number eight of his generation.

Kieran Read was New Zealand's outstanding number eight and captain, winning three World Cups and being named World Rugby Player of the Year in 2013. His combination of exceptional leadership, powerful carrying, dominant ball-winning in the lineout, and consistent defending made him the benchmark for the modern number eight. His partnership with Richie McCaw in the All Blacks' loose forward trio was one of rugby's most celebrated.

Read was renowned for his exceptional lineout skills, consistently winning ball at the back of the lineout and disrupting opposition throws. His ball-handling abilities were outstanding for a forward, allowing him to link play between forwards and backs with precise passing and offloading. He combined powerful ball-carrying with intelligent positional play and was equally effective in both attack and defense.

Read is widely regarded as one of the greatest number 8s in rugby history, setting the standard for modern back-row play with his complete skill set. His leadership and consistency helped maintain New Zealand's dominance during one of their most successful periods.

• 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
• Tri-Nations Winner 2010
• Super Rugby Champion with Crusaders 2017
• Super Rugby Champion with Crusaders 2018
• World Rugby Player of the Year 2013
• New Zealand Rugby Player of the Year 2013
• IRB World Rugby Player of the Year Finalist 2016

Club Career

Club	Period	Apps	Tries	Shirt
Crusaders	2007–2019	127	0	#8
New Zealand	—	127	—	—