Question:
Do you think a person has a chance of becoming an All Black when he's never played in New Zealand before?
anonymous
2008-11-30 02:06:29 UTC
I'm living in a not-so-good rugby nation (Malaysia) and I want to go to Christchurch University when I'm about 17/18, and play rugby through uni, club, provincial, super 14 and become an All Black.
I know I have what it takes to do it and I will try, but when I read articles about the "harsh proving grounds of NZ rugby" I feel a bit discouraged.
My idol is Richie McCaw, and I want to become an awesome All Black Openside like him...
Seven answers:
bar
2008-11-30 10:20:10 UTC
To be honest, you should dream and I admire you for having such high aspirations.

There haven't been many All Blacks in the past that didn't play rugby their whole lives in New Zealand, but there is one notable one, and that's Greg Rawlinson, a born and bred South African. What you hear about proving grounds however, is extremely true. From under 9s right the way up to seniors, there really isn't a way to describe it. I've officiated a couple of under 9s tournaments in New Zealand and even the way these kids play is fantastic. Imagine, at 9 years old, trying to take quick lineouts, mauling properly, kicking to touch, trying to steal ball, offloading. It boggles the mind. I was playing in Rotorua for a while for under 21s Kahukura and I've never played such a violent match. In two degrees. With hail. The only way to find out how you fit in is to come over in the middle of rugby season and play around now. At 17/18, if you go for the first time to play for Christchurch University, it's extremely unlikely you'll ever see the field, because the level difference is such a huge shock. A lot of kids come over from the UK, the big fish in the small pond type. And they get much, much, much more than they bargained for. To be honest, it IS quite daunting, it's discouraging, it's brutal and some days will make you never want to pick up a rugby ball again, but you keep keep going, and those are the guys that become All Blacks. There are fantastic players all around New Zealand, absoloutely fantastic, but the difference between those that get npc contracts and those who don't, those who get super rugby contracts and those who don't, and those who become All Blacks and those who don't, is how far they're willing to push themselves. I've seen some players that could easily be playing npc, but they're not willing to go through what others do to get where they are. If you can survive the proving grounds, you're in with a shout of squeezing you're way into super rugby.
SteveC
2008-11-30 02:29:54 UTC
There is no reason why you cant. To become an All Black you must fulfill the residency requirements, become a New Zealander and play some bloody good rugby. I live and play in Christchurch at the Uni and there are many players from different backrounds.

Its probably an understatement to suggest the "harsh proving grounds" but if you have what it takes then you should be fine. There are levels of competition to suit all skill levels here.
anonymous
2008-11-30 15:00:29 UTC
go for it,there is nothing stopping you from acheiving your dream only you,don't be discouraged by anyone i suggest you by a rugby ball and start your training get a couple of friends together and pass,kick the ball around,go for runs as you need endurance,you will find that all NZ rugby players learnt their craft from backyard rugby before joining a club with their mates.i hope to see playing in the Red and Black shirt one day as well as the Black Jersey, good luck to you.
gvtstkwi08
2008-11-30 15:42:50 UTC
off course,do the hard yards ,learn to play at the best of your ability and get residency.

You are not alowed to sing waltzy matilda like the aussies

you cnt have a sth African accent

you can not sing like a welsh man

you cnt wear jock strapp like the scottish

you not allowed to drink kilkenny like the irish

no socialising with the barmy army like the English

no biteting like the french

but you must be able to drink pallets of stienlarger,brawl with the locals,give the local police a hard time,womanise,smoke the odd dobbie and swear with every letter of the alphabet. and play rugby like a demon....no fear!!!!.lol other than that sweet as bro
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2016-12-08 19:46:43 UTC
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milanlovich
2008-11-30 10:07:44 UTC
Have you tries finding any clubs or even 7s national team in Malaysia?
anonymous
2008-11-30 04:54:21 UTC
Are you a New Zealander?







(sorry what was i thinking)


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