The influence of Kiwis in this years Six Nations

Jared Payne

After making the move from the Blues to Ulster in 2011, Payne was able to claim citizenship to his adopted country and made his debut in a Green jersey in November against South Africa. He will make his debut in the Six Nations against Italy where he will be wearing the number 13 jersey made famous by the great Brian O’Driscoll.

Kelly Haimona

Born in Rotorua, New Zealand, Haimona has come a long way from playing in the 2nd tier of the Italian league to making his Six Nations debut against Ireland on Saturday. The Zebre Flyhalf has earned three caps for the Italians all of them coming in November including a man of the match performance against Samoa.

Blair Cowan

Cowan has never played for a Scottish club but the London Irish Flanker qualifies for Vern Cotter’s side through his Scottish Mother. He made his first few appearances in the Summer’s tour to North America and since then has earned himself a starting position in the team keeping out former captain Kelly Brown.

Gareth Anscombe

With so many world class Flyhalfs to choose from for the All Blacks, Gareth Anscombe decided to leave the Chiefs last season and join Cardiff Blues. With Anscombe’s mother born in Cardiff he was eligible to be picked for this years Six Nations Squad. It remains to be seen if he will get any game time in this years championship with Biggar and Priestland ahead of him at the moment.

Born and raised in Timaru, New Zealand to Samaon Parents, Atonio is now set to make his Six Nations debut for France. After a year with Counties Manukau, Atonio opted for a move to France with La Rochelle and was part of the side who were promoted to the Top 14 last season. His fine performances caught the eye of French coach Philippe Saint-Andre who gave him his debut in November and has been picked in the matchday squad for Saturday’s game against Scotland.

Dylan Hartley

Hartley moved from New Zealand to England when he was 16 and after coming up through the ranks at Worcester and Northampton made his England debut in 2008. Hartley has gone on to be a regular starter for England and will start Friday’s game against Wales. 

Ciaran Fallon