Skilful 27-year-old Taranaki and Blues hooker Bradley Slater (Born 23 September 1998) comes from outstanding rugby pedigree: his father Andy is a Taranaki rugby legend and uncle Gordon played six matches for the All Blacks, including three Tests, in 1997 and 2000.  Bradley made a name for himself at New Plymouth Boys’ High School as both a rugby player and a cricketer, playing for the school’s First XV and First XI.  He made the New Zealand Schools team and the Chiefs side in 2019, playing more than 60 games for the Super side through to 2025, before transferring to the Blues. He continued his rise in rugby, earning selection for the All Blacks XV in 2024 and 2025.