All Blacks

PLAYER PROFILE

Angus Ta'avao

Prop

KEY STATS

UPDATED

AGE

29

WEIGHT

124KG

HEIGHT

194CM

GAMES

11

POINTS

5

TRIES

1

CONV

0

PEN

0

BIOGRAPHY

Well traveled prop Angus Ta'avao is living proof that hard work and patience can pay dividends.

Born and bred in Auckland, Ta'avao first came to prominence when he played for New Zealand Under 20 in Argentina in 2010 and made his debut for the provincial side in the same year.

He signed for the Blues for the 2012 Investec Super Rugby season playing for the side through to the 2015 season before looking to further his opportunities in Australia. He played for the Waratahs for two seasons before heading back home to play for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup, but without a Super Rugby contract in 2018.

A timely call from Chiefs coach Colin Cooper saw him play in every game during their Investec Super Rugby campaign alongside All Blacks teammate Karl Tu’inukuafe before being called into the All Blacks after an injury to prop Joe Moody.

He made his Test debut off the bench against Argentina in Buenos Aires, where he played a key role in the dominating forward pack, earning a starting spot in his second Test match against Japan in Tokyo.

Angus Ta'avao NEWS

View all

Japanese ponder 'national showstopper'

Buoyed by the success of the host team Japan, local fans are already anticipating a quarterfinal playoff with the All Blacks although the New Zealanders are refusing to be drawn into looking that far ahead.

All Blacks front row ready for Canada challenge

New Zealand will field their most inexperienced front row in recent history when taking on Canada in Wednesday's Rugby World Cup pool game in Oita.

Moody ready to build on 2015 Cup experience

All Blacks loosehead prop Joe Moody has assumed the senior propping role in the Rugby World Cup campaign.

Last-minute try leads to inconclusive draw

All the talk about the winning side gaining momentum heading into the Rugby World Cup came to nothing when the All Blacks and South Africa fought out a 16-16 draw in their Investec Rugby Championship Test in Wellington on Saturday.

All Blacks defence holds Argentina out

Dogged, determined defence, much of it in the hands of new All Blacks substituted in the final quarter, held out Argentina for a 20-16 win in their Investec Rugby Championship Test in Buenos Aires on Sunday (NZT).

Ta'avao relishing his chance with All Blacks

Enjoying being part of the initial All Blacks squad for 2019 has made prop Angus Ta'avao feel more a part of the side as they prepare for the Investec Rugby Championship opener against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday (NZT).

Chiefs need to treasure the ball - Barnes

Both the Chiefs and the Hurricanes have plenty riding on their Investec Super Rugby game in Wellington on Saturday.

Chiefs seek big effort from front five

Having talisman captain and lock Brodie Retallick back in the side would be a boost for Chiefs hopes in Saturday's Investec Super Rugby game against the Blues in Hamilton.

Highlanders get upset win over Chiefs

Dogged Highlanders persistence in the final quarter resulted in a thrilling come-from-behind 30-27 Investec Super Rugby win over the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.

Ta'avao thriving on benefits of time

All Blacks and Chiefs prop Angus Ta'avao is enjoying the benefits of both an assured contract and his first delayed pre-season in eight years ahead of Investec Super Rugby in 2019.

All Blacks excited about Springboks Test

All Blacks centurion prop Owen Franks said there was still plenty to play for against South Africa in Pretoria on Sunday (NZT) even with the Investec Rugby Championship in the bag.

All Blacks working on a two-Test trial

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is confident the lessons from the side's loss to South Africa have been taken on board ahead of the Investec Rugby Championship Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday (NZT).

Angus Ta'avao Videos

View all

Angus Ta'avao funny moment

What do you do when someone else's phone starts ringing in a press conference...

PLAYER REACTION: All Blacks v South Africa (Yokohama)

Get the lowdown from the players following the opening RWC2019 victory over...