Read has had a rapid rise to the top having represented New Zealand at Schools, Under 19, Under 21 level and Junior All Blacks level.

Player Media:

Read has had a rapid rise to the top having represented New Zealand at Schools, Under 19, Under 21 level and Junior All Blacks level.

Just as quickly, he has become a vital cog in red and black sides. After making his provincial debut for Canterbury in 2006, he captained them to victory in the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup.

Although usually a number 6 he can play the other loose forward positions, is a first-choice lineout option and is forging a reputation as Mr Reliable with his seemingly indestructible form.

Also capable as a No 8, the Rosehill College (Counties Manukau) product has previously represented New Zealand at age-group level in cricket.

After becoming a leader of increasing reputation with his performances for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup, he again featured as the side went on to claim back to back Air New Zealand Cup titles.

In 2009 Read rose to become the All Blacks first choice number eight, displacing long serving veteran Rodney So'oialo as the front line man at the back of the tests side scrum.  He would go on to play in 13 test matches in the year, and strong form during the 2010 Rebel Sport Super 14 would again ensure his selection to the national side.

Career Comments:

• Captained Canterbury to Air New Zealand Cup victory in 2008.
• Was recognised as one of the Promising Players of the Year by the 2007 Rugby Almanack.

New Zealand Representative Teams:

New Zealand U21 (2005, 2006)
New Zealand U19 (2004)
NZ Schools (2003)
Counties-Manukau Secondary Schools (2003)
Counties-Manukau Under 16 (2001)
Counties-Manukau Under 15 (2000)
Counties-Manukau Under 14 (1999)
All Blacks 2008-2010

Test match Record by Year:
(+) = substitute  (-) = replaced

(+) = substitute; (-) = replaced

2008
9 Nov v Scotland at Edinburgh 32-6
16 Nov v Ireland at Dublin 22-3 (+)
19 Nov v Munster at Limerick 18-16 (+)
30 Nov v England at London 32-6 (+)

2009
13 June v France at Dunedin 22-27
20 June v France at Wellington 14-10
27 June v Italy at Christchurch 27-6
18 July v Australia at Auckland 22-16 (+)
26 July v South Africa at Bloemfontain 19-28 (+)
02 Aug v South Africa at Durban 19-31 (+)
22 Aug v Australia at Sydney 19-18
12 Sept v South Africa at Hamilton 29-32
19 Sept v Australia at Wellington 33-6
31 Oct v Australia at Tokyo 32-19 (+)
8 Nov v Wales at Cardiff 19-12 (-)
22 Nov v England at London 19-6
29 Nov v France at Marseilles 39-12 (-)

2010
12 June v Ireland at New Plymouth 66-28
19 June v Wales at Dunedin 42-9 (-)
26 Jun v Wales at Hamilton 29-10 (-)
10 July v South Africa at Auckland 32-12
17 July v South Africa at Wellington 31-17
31 July v Australia at Melbourne 49-28
7 Aug v Australia at Christchurch 20-10
22 Aug v South Africa at Johannesburg 29-22