Keven Mealamu

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Lore & Background

The grandson of Samoan immigrants, Mealamu was raised in Tokoroa where his father, a body building champion, worked at the local timber mill. The family eventually moved to Auckland due to the decline of the timber industry. He is a former student of Aorere College, where his brother and former Manu Samoa player Luke Mealamu currently works as a social worker. As a schoolboy he played as a flanker for New Zealand Under-16s and New Zealand Schools before switching to hooker in 1998. After finishing school he worked as an apprentice signwriter in case his rugby career did not work out.

In Their Own Story

Mealamu's international career was marked by specific milestones and leadership roles. He made his debut in 2002 and became a regular fixture, known for a hard-tackling approach to the game. In 2006, he captained the Blues through their Super 14 campaign but had to relinquish the role in 2007 due to All Blacks commitments. He also made a fine contribution to the start of the 2006 Tri Nations with two tries against Australia. A significant moment occurred on 23 November 2008, when he served as test captain against Scotland during the Grand Slam tour while regular captain Richie McCaw was a reserve. His leadership extended to leading the haka 31 times: 23 times for Ka Mate and 8 times for Kapa o Pango, first leading in September 2007 against Italy. He led the Kapa o Pango one last time before the 2015 World Cup final against Australia, his final match as an All Black.

Reader's Guide

Mealamu made his provincial debut for Auckland in 1999 against North Harbour. He first played for the Blues in 2000, but had a stint with the Chiefs in 2002 – the same year he debuted for the All Blacks. Mealamu also made a fine contribution to the start of the All Blacks' 2006 Tri Nations campaign with two tries against the Wallabies during the first match. Mealamu captained the Blues through their 2006 Super 14 campaign, but was forced to relinquish the captaincy in 2007 due to his commitments to the All Blacks. In 2014, he made his 150th appearance for the Blues.

Did You Know?

• Mealamu made his All Blacks debut on 23 November 2002 against Wales at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
• He was made test captain in the test match against Scotland during the All Blacks 2008 Grand Slam tour, as regular captain Richie McCaw was a reserve for that match.
• He led the haka for the All Blacks 31 times: 23 times for Ka Mate and 8 times for Kapa o Pango.
• In the 2016 New Year Honours, Mealamu was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby.
• He was elected to the Papakura Local Board in 2019.