The 2013 World Rugby player of the year played 128 tests for the mighty All Blacks making the number 8 position his own and last week we were delighted to have Kieran in London to present him with his Honour Cap and celebrate his impressive career.
His All Blacks career started in 2008 and ran through until 2019 with 26 international tries, during that time Read stepped in at captain multiple times when Richie McCaw was absent and finally Captained his side full time from 2016 until his retirement from the international game. He was also a key player in the All Blacks 2011 home world cup win as well as their triumph as defending champions in 2015. He would earn his 100th cap against the British and Irish Lions, during their 2017 tour to New Zealand in which famously the teams would win one game each and draw in the final match making the series a draw.
We held the presentation for Kieran at the Lucky Cat by Gordan Ramsey in London where we were joined by some of our members and partners for a dinner followed by a short Q&A with Kieran. We also showed his final Haka against Wales at the 2019 RWC to remind our guests of Kieran’s Great career. He then admitted that he hadn’t watched himself lead a Haka and it was a somewhat emotional moment for him but brough back good memories.
We were happy to have the New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK, Shannon Austin join us and present Kieran with his Honour cap on the night.