Tyrone Thompson is a New Zealand rugby union player who hails from Muriwai, in the Gisborne District of the North Island. Born on an unknown date, he later moved with his family to Napier in Hawke's Bay when he was five years old.
Thompson and his twin brother, Leo, attended Napier Boys' High School, where they both played for the school's first XV rugby team. As captain, Thompson led his team to victory in the Hurricanes Cup 1st XV title in 2018, defeating defending champions Hastings Boys' High School with a score of 20-10 at McLean Park in Napier. They also reached the National Top 4 Final, narrowly losing to St Peter's College, Auckland, with a score of 28-31. Thompson scored a try in that final.
His talent and dedication to rugby led to opportunities at representative levels. Thompson attended the Hurricanes Under 17 Development Camp in 2017 and the Hurricanes U18 Camp the following year. After completing high school, Thompson and his brother signed a contract with the Wellington Rugby Academy and moved to Wellington. There, he plays club rugby for Marist St Pats, a club with a family connection as his father, uncle, and cousins have also played for the club.
In 2019, both Thompson brothers represented Wellington at the Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 Tournament, finishing in third place. Thompson's senior career took off when he was named in the Wellington squad for the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup. He made his debut for the Wellington Lions off the bench against Waikato on September 12, 2020. In his first start, he scored an impressive 50-meter try, marking his first in the National Provincial Championship, against Bay of Plenty on September 25, 2020.
Thompson's performances also earned him opportunities at higher levels. He played for the Hurricanes U20 team and the Hurricanes Hunters (Development) squad during his time in Wellington. In 2022, he joined the Chiefs squad for the Super Rugby Pacific season, making his debut and scoring a try against Moana Pasifika.
Thompson's international career began in 2018 when he was selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools team, participating in a three-match international series in Australia. He also played for the New Zealand Māori Under 20 team in their match against Fiji, securing a victory.
Despite missing out on playing for the New Zealand Under 20 team due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thompson's talent and performances did not go unnoticed. He was named in the Māori All Blacks squad in June 2022, making his debut against Ireland and contributing to a 32-17 victory. Thompson's outstanding performances during the NPC season for Hawke's Bay earned him a call-up to the All Blacks XV squad for matches against Ireland A and the Barbarians during their Northern Tour in 2022.
With his promising career trajectory and contributions to various teams, Tyrone Thompson demonstrates his skill and potential as a talented rugby union player in New Zealand.
KG(04/06/2023)
Career
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Chiefs Hooker |
2022 - present |
 |
Maori All Blacks Hooker |
2022 - present |
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Hawke's Bay Hooker |
2022 - present |
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Wellington Hooker |
2020 - 2022 |
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All Blacks XV Hooker |
2022 - 2024 |
