All Black legend Kieran Read reveals his toughest opponent

Rugby News

by Steven Smith

Friday, 17 April 2020 at 10:46

bySteven Smith

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All Blacks legend Kieran Read has opened up about the opponents he found the toughest to face throughout his career.

Speaking to ‘, the powerhouse number eight namechecked two players.

Newstalk ZB while promoting his his new biography ‘Straight 8

“Probably not too many internationally actually,” he said when asked about his toughest international opponents.

“Certainly when you come up against Jerome Kaino and Jerry Collins when I first came along, that was someone where I was like ‘man this guy is intimidating’.

"Those two probably [are the toughest].”

What's next for the 34-year-old All Black great after he steps back from professional sport?

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"I'm unsure exactly," he said. "But I do enjoy sport. I studied towards that and leadership as well. Wellbeing is what I'm interested in. So not necessarily something in sport but something around leadership would be ideal for me. I'm exploring a few different options in that area."

Regardless of what he does after he retires, Read will be proud to go down as one of the best All Blacks of the modern era – probably something he couldn't have imagined when he was young.

LIST | 20 internationals out of contract in 2020 including eight England stars

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WHICH international rugby players throughout Europe could be available for nothing when their contracts expire at the end of the season?

1. Sergio Parisse (Italy)

According to RUCK sources, the Italy legend could continue his professional career in 2020/21 after London Irish offered him a lucrative one-year contract. Talks between the club and player are thought to be early but have been described as ‘positive’. Parisse left Stade Francais last summer, signing a one-year contract with three-time European champions Toulon.

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2. Matt Kvesic (England)

The England flanker has reportedly “agreed a deal” to return to boyhood club Worcester Warriors. Kvesic headed to Gloucester having emerged through the academy at Sixways, before moving to Sandy Park. According to The Rugby Paper, the 27-year-old's availability has been pounced upon by Worcester director of rugby Alan Solomons.

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3. Hadleigh Parkes (Wales)

His international career could be over as he looks set to leave Scarlets to join Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan. The New Zealand-born player qualified on residency grounds after joining Scarlets in 2014.

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4. Paul Hill (England)

The Northampton Saints prop is out of contract at the end of the season and is set to depart Franklin’s Gardens. Bath is where he’ll end up, according to The Rugby Paper.

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5. Chris Robshaw (England)

Having already announced that he's leaving Harlequins, it was thought that the former England captain, who win 66 caps between 2008 and 2016, would be heading across the pond to play Major League Rugby. However, with that move under threat, he could end up anywhere.

Chris Robshaw of England gives a team talk during the Rugby World Cup Pool A match between England v Wales at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham on Sep 26th 2015 in London - Photo mandatory by-line: Graeme Truby/Pinnacle - Tel: +44(0)1363 881025 - Mobile:0797 1270 681 - VAT Reg No: 183700120 - SPORT - International Rugby

6. George Kruis (England)

A decade after his debut for the club, the 29-year-old Lion from Guildford is understood to be considering a career move to the Far East, having been there last autumn for the World Cup.

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George Kruis of England
England v France, United Kingdom - 15 Aug 2015

7. Owen Williams (Wales)

Gloucester's Williams, 28, would have been in the frame to replace Hadleigh Parkes at international level, but he too has agreed a move to Japan, according to reports.

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8. Freddie Burns (England)

The fly-half is arguably the biggest name player on this list having returned to his hometown club from Leicester Tigers ahead of the 2017/18 season but this season he has become a bit part player. He has been linked with a move to Top 14 leaders Lyon and also reportedly has offers from Super Rugby clubs.

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9. Devin Toner (Ireland)

London Irish are looking to recruit the towering Ireland international when his contract at Leinster expires at the end of the season. The 33-year-old isn’t sure about the opportunity as he contemplates retirement.

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10. Sean Maitland (Scotland)

The Scotland international wing is out of contract in the summer and will likely be let go by Sarries as they attempt to balance their books moving forward. His former clubs Glasgow and London Irish are thought to be considering a move for the New Zealand-born speedster

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 10: Sean Maitland of Scotland looks to break with the ball during the 2015 Rugby World Cup Pool B match between Samoa and Scotland at St James' Park on October 10, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

11. Brad Barritt (England)

Retirement rumours have been doing the rounds about the Saracens skipper for years. Could this finally be the end? probably.

12. Nizaam Carr (South Africa)

Carr stated in an interview with CoventryLive in January his desire to become a ‘Wasps legend’. The back row turns 29 next month so this contract is a hugely important one for him. Can Wasps afford to keep him? Time will tell.

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13. Jonny May (England)

May is yet to agree to terms with Leicester Tigers for beyond his contract which ends in June because we understand he is reluctant to take a pay cut of around £100,000 a year. Tigers want the 29-year-old to stay at Welford Road but Steve Diamond’s Sharks, who are looking to replace Chris Ashton after he joined Harlequins, are circling, according to The Rugby Paper.

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14. Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)

The fullback signed a three-year deal with Scarlets in August 2017, turning down an offer from Bath, to return to Wales from Toulon. It’s now expected that he will join Bath, who remain interested in the experienced international.

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15. Logovi’i Mulipola (Samoa)

He is expected to leave Newcastle Falcons at the end of the season. The Samoan prop, who can play on both sides of the scrum, is now weighing up his options as he looks for a move elsewhere according to The Rugby Paper. Newcastle’s promotion back to the Premiership was confirmed last week following the early conclusion of the Championship season but it appears as though their return will be without Mulipola.

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16. Marland Yarde (England)

Despite reported interest from Leicester Tigers, the speedster looks set to sign a new contract at the AJ Bell having recovered from a significant knee injury.

Sale Sharks player Marland Yarde breaks the tackle of Wasps player Christian Wade during the Gallagher Premiership rugby game between Sale Sharks and Wasps at JW Bell Stadium on Sept 22 - PHOTO: Steve Bond/PPAUK

17. Josh Matavesi (Fiji)

The flying Fijian has made quite the impression after his mid-season switch from Newcastle Falcons to replace Jamie Roberts but Bath boss Stuart Hooper revealed he only has a contract at The Rec until the end of the season. Bristol Bears director of rugby Pat Lam is known to be a huge fan of the player.

18. Ashley Johnson (South Africa)

The South African has 198 Wasps appearances to his name since joining way back in 2012. Whatever happens next with his career, his status as a Wasps legend is secured. Losing the 28-year-old would be a considerable blow.

Photo: Richard Lane/Richard Lane Photography. Wasps v Gloucester Rugby. Aviva Premiership. 23/12/2017. Wasps' Ashley Johnson.

19. Thomas Young (Wales)

Now the only member of the Young family at Wasps following dad Dai’s shock departure. He is a co-captain in Joe Launchbury’s absence and has made 111 appearances. Young will likely head to one of the Welsh regions in a bid to keep his international career alive and add to his three caps.

20. Sione Kalamafoni (Tonga)

Scarlets are leading the race to land the powerful No.8 who is among the top ball carriers in the Gallagher Premiership. In his first season since moving from Gloucester in the summer of 2018 he made more first team appearances than any of his Leicester team-mates. He also made more metres than any other player in the Premiership.