Colin Slade
Versatile back who won Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015 with the All Blacks.
Colin Richard Slade (born 10 October 1987) is a retired New Zealand professional rugby union player. He played primarily at first five-eighth, as well as all other backline positions on occasions. He was first selected for the All Blacks in 2009. He was a key member of the 2011 Rugby World Cup winning team. He was also included in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but played in only one match against Namibia. He thus became one of only 44 players who have won the Rugby World Cup on multiple occasions.
- Role
- Flanker / Captain
- Major Tour
- 1960 British & Irish Lions Grand Slam
- Coaching Legacy
- First All Black Coach to win a Grand Slam as coach
- Status
- Retired / Hall of Fame Inductee
Lore & Background
Slade made his All Blacks debut off the bench in 2010 against the Wallabies. He started at fly-half during the 2011 Rugby World Cup after Dan Carter's injury, but a groin tear ended his tournament. He also played halfback in a 2014 test against South Africa due to injury to the replacement halfback.
In Their Own Story
The rain lashed down on Twickenham in the autumn of 1960, turning the pitch into a muddy battleground. Colin Slade stood at the breakdown, his jersey dark with sweat and mud, eyes scanning for any lapse in the English defense. He didn't just play; he commanded. With a sharp bark to his teammates, he orchestrated a ruck that turned the tide of the match. In that moment, amidst the roar of a hostile crowd, Slade wasn't just a player; he was the architect of a historic victory, leading New Zealand toward an unprecedented Grand Slam.
Reader's Guide
Slade played for Canterbury in provincial rugby, winning three consecutive titles (2008–2010). In Super Rugby, he played for the Crusaders (2009–2010, 2014–2015) and the Highlanders (2011–2013), though his Highlanders stint was marred by injuries including two broken jaws and a broken leg.
Did You Know?
- Slade scored 152 points in just 11 starts for Canterbury in the 2010 ITM Cup.
- He kicked a last-minute conversion in the All Blacks' final Bledisloe Cup match against Australia in Brisbane in 2014.
- Slade signed a two-year deal with French Pro D2 side Pau in April 2015.
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