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.

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)

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 (-)