Brodie Allan Retallick, born on 31 May 1991, is a highly accomplished New Zealand rugby union player known for his prowess as a lock. He currently plays for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and represents Hawke's Bay in New Zealand's domestic National Provincial Championship.
Retallick's impressive rise in the sport began in 2012 when he made his international debut for the All Blacks. Since then, he has become a regular starter for the national team, amassing an impressive 100 test caps. Notably, he was a vital member of the 2015 Rugby World Cup-winning squad and was honored with the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award in 2014, becoming the youngest recipient of the award at that time.
Even in his early career, Retallick drew comparisons to the legendary All Black lock Sir Colin Meads. His remarkable talent led to his inclusion in the All Blacks squad in 2012 after an outstanding debut season in Super Rugby with the Chiefs. Known for his strength and mobility, Retallick quickly established himself as a driving force in the Chiefs' forward pack.
Throughout his career, Retallick has earned numerous accolades, including being named Chiefs Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year. His exceptional work rate and versatility on the field have propelled him into the starting lineup for the All Blacks, solidifying his reputation as one of the world's best locks.
In 2014, Retallick was recognized globally when he was awarded the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year title. Despite some injuries in 2015, he made a triumphant return towards the end of the Super Rugby season and played a significant role in New Zealand's victorious World Cup campaign.
Heading into the 2017 Super Rugby season, Retallick had already achieved 60 test caps for the All Blacks, making him a vital member of the Chiefs. He continued to excel on the international stage, earning widespread acclaim as the world's leading second-rower.
In 2019, Retallick signed a new four-year deal with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), which allowed him to play two seasons in Japan's Top League with the Kobelco Steelers before rejoining the Chiefs in 2021. Despite facing occasional injuries, Retallick's leadership and skills guided the Chiefs to the playoffs.
Retallick's contributions to New Zealand rugby extended to international competitions such as the Rugby Championship and the Rugby World Cup. He participated in multiple Rugby Championships and represented the All Blacks in the 2019 Rugby World Cup, playing in all four tests, including the playoffs. Following a loss in the semi-final, he was awarded Man of the Match in the Bronze Final, where the All Blacks secured third place by defeating Wales.
During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Retallick played for the Kobelco Steelers in Japan's Top League, as part of his contract with NZRU. Although he wasn't available for the All Blacks in 2020, he was named in the squad for both the 2021 Rugby Championship and the end-of-year tour.
Off the field, Retallick enjoys spending his free time cruising in classic cars. He married Niki Thompson, a nurse, in 2015, and the couple has been blessed with two daughters.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Retallick has been named in the squad for New Zealand.
KG(31/05/2023)
Career
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Kobelco Kobe Steelers No 5 Lock |
2020 - present |
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Bay of Plenty No 5 Lock |
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Christchurch Boys High School No 5 Lock |
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Chiefs No 4 Lock |
2012 - 2023 |
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Hawke's Bay No 4 Lock |
2011 - 2024 |
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New Zealand No 4 Lock |
2011 - 2024 |
