All Blacks Icons Announced As Hospitality Talent For New Zealand Test
We are delighted to announce that this November, rugby legends
Kieran Read and Conrad Smith will be joining us in England Rugby
Hospitality to enjoy England's first fierce test in the Autumn
Nations Series, against the All Blacks.
Secure your tickets now for England v New Zealand to enjoy the
ultimate matchday experience at the Home of England Rugby this
Autumn, including excellent seats for the match, a delicious
selection of food and drinks throughout the day, a bustling, fun
atmosphere, and the opportunity to mingle with All Blacks
icons.
Kieran Read
Kieran Read is one of New Zealand's most revered rugby players, best known for his leadership and exemplary performances as an All Black. Born on October 26, 1985, in Papakura, Auckland, Read grew up in Drury and attended Rosehill College, where his rugby potential quickly became evident. Initially a talented cricketer, Read shifted his focus to rugby during his teenage years, excelling as a loose forward.
Read made his debut for Canterbury in 2006, and shortly thereafter, in 2007, began playing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby. His versatility, athleticism, and tactical acumen helped him rise quickly through the ranks. In 2008, he made his debut for the All Blacks against Scotland. His strong performances soon earned him the starting spot as a No. 8, where he would solidify his reputation as one of the best in the world in that position.
Read played for New Zealand from 2008 to 2019. He is one of the most-capped players of all time, and the fourth-most-capped All Black in history, having played 127 tests, scoring 26 international tries. Read captained New Zealand 52 times. He was integral to the All Blacks' Rugby World Cup victories in 2011 and 2015, and his consistent excellence earned him World Rugby Player of the Year in 2013.
After 11 seasons with the Crusaders, Read played his final professional years overseas, in Japan's Top League, before retiring from rugby in 2020. Off the field, Read is known for his humility, professionalism, and dedication to his family. In the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to rugby.
Conrad Smith
Affectionately known as "Snake" by teammates, Conrad Smith was a
throw back to the centres of old. Slightly built for a modern-day
centre, Smith possessed an eye for the gap, frequently ghosting
past defences with ease. His quality handling and kicking game make
him the complete attacker, creating space for wingers around
him.
During his schoolboy career Smith played halfback at Francis
Douglas Memorial College and represented Taranaki. After school,
Smith attended Old Boys University where he made the move into the
midfield before making his NPC debut for Wellington in 2003.
Having previously played provincial grade cricket, Conrad broke
into the Hurricanes side in 2003 before becoming an All Black the
following year in 2004 and later an important part of the 2011
World Cup winning side. His inspirational captaincy of the
Hurricanes in 2014 was an integral part of the team's renaissance,
along with his robust defence and ability to put his teammates into
space. In February 2015, he announced that the 2015 Super Rugby
season would be his last before joining French side Pau on a
two-year contract.
Conrad again starred for the All Blacks during the 2015 Rugby World
Cup as they went on to become the first nation to win back to back
Rugby World Cups.
Smith retired from Test Rugby after the 2015 Rugby World Cup and
ended his international career with 94 Test Caps, 2 Rugby World Cup
Titles and 26 tries. He then made his debut for Pau in December
2015 in the European Rugby Challenge Cup Pool 2 match against Welsh
side Newport Gwent Dragons.
In 2017, Conrad confirmed that he would be retiring at the
conclusion of the 2017/18 season having played 94 Tests at centre
for the All Blacks, 43 games for Wellington, 126 games for the
Hurricanes and 52 for Pau.
Limited places remain! Secure your hospitality package for England v New Zealand now to enjoy the luxurious surroundings of one of our hospitality suites, fantastic seats for this iconic fixture, delicious food and drinks throughout your matchday, and the opportunity to mingle with England and New Zealand rugby legends.