Keven mealamu biography of mahatma
Keven Mealamu
New Zealand rugby player (born )
Rugby player
Keven Filipo MealamuMNZM (born 20 March ) is a former New Zealand rugby union footballer. He played at hooker for the Blues in Super Rugby, Auckland in the National Provincial Championship, and the New Zealand national team.
Biography of mahatma gandhi His hard work, dedication, and talent on the field have not only made him a successful athlete but also a wealthy individual in the sports industry. Keven Mealamu. NZ Herald. Suggest an edit.He was part of the Blues team that won the Super 12 title, the third for the franchise. He was a key member of and Rugby World Cup winning teams, becoming one of only 21 players who have won the Rugby World Cup on multiple occasions.
In a Bledisloe Cup test match against Australia on 20 October , Mealamu became the third All Black to reach test appearances.[3]
Early life
The grandson of Samoan immigrants,[4] Mealamu was raised in Tokoroa where his father, a body building champion, worked at the local timber mill.[5] The family eventually moved to Auckland due to the decline of the timber industry.[6] He is a former student of Aorere College, where his brother and former Manu Samoa player Luke Mealamu currently works as a social worker.
As a schoolboy he played as a flanker for New Zealand Unders and New Zealand Schools before switching to hooker in [6] After finishing school he worked as an apprentice signwriter in case his rugby career did not work out.[5]
Career
Mealamu made his provincial debut for Auckland in against North Harbour.[7] He first played for the Blues in , but had a stint with the Chiefs in – the same year he debuted for the All Blacks.
Keven mealamu biography of mahatma He first led the team in September against Italy. Fox Sports Australia. He has brown eyes and black hair. Early life [ edit ].Mealamu also made a fine contribution to the start of the All Blacks' Tri Nations campaign with two tries against the Wallabies during the first match. Mealamu captained the Blues through their Super 14 campaign, but was forced to relinquish the captaincy in due to his commitments to the All Blacks. In , he made his th appearance for the Blues, becoming the first player in Super Rugby history to make appearances for one team.[8]
International
Mealamu made his debut for the All Blacks on 23 November , against Wales at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.[9] He was made test captain in the test match against Scotland during the All Blacks Grand Slam tour, as regular captain Richie McCaw was a reserve for that match.
He was a part of New Zealand's Rugby World Cup winning squad.
Smith Williams. In his long and illustrious career, he won the Rugby World Cup for his country twice and made more than appearances for the Blues in Super Rugby. Although he was exceptional at the domestic level, Keven Mealamu is undoubtedly best known for his All Blacks career. Since retiring from rugby, Keven Mealamu has showcased his skills as an artist and illustrator.Mealamu was known for his hard-tackling approach to the game.[10][11]
The Rugby World Cup final on 31 October was his last match as an All Black. He was one of six senior players who retired from International rugby after the competition.[9]
In the New Year Honours, Mealamu was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby.[12]
Leading of the haka
Mealamu became an important part of the leadership team of the national side[13][11] and led the haka for the All Blacks 31 times.
He led the Ka Mate version 23 times and the newer Kapa o Pango version 8 times. He first led the team in September against Italy. In his final international test he led the Kapa o Pango haka before the final against Australia during the Rugby World Cup.
Local politics
Mealamu was elected to the Papakura Local Board in [14] In the Auckland local elections, Mealamu ran for the position of Franklin ward councillor, losing to Andy Baker.[15][16]
Personal life
Mealamu is a skilled artist and has illustrated several books to raise money for the Starship Children's Hospital.[11] He was appointed to the board of Creative New Zealand in December [17]
A practising Catholic, Mealamu and his wife Latai, whom he married in ,[5] have two children.[4]