BIOGRAPHY

 I began my professional Rugby career with The Otago Rugby Football union in 1997. I was very ambitious throughout my entire rugby career, always setting clear goals to achieve.

This provided me with not only my emotional and physical motivation but also with pure passion for the game.

I tasted success very early in my career winning the New Zealand National Competition (NPC) with Otago in 1998.

Then in 1999 my rugby career had a meteoric rise, firstly, being selected for The Otago Highlanders to play Super 14. Then having the privilege of being selected for the All Black's to play international Rugby.

I played for the For the Otago Highlanders from 1998-2003. In my second season with The Otago Highlanders I had the honour of being named New Zealand player of the year, 1999. During my time with the Otago Highlanders I played 54 games and for the Otago Provence I played 46 games.

My Player of the Year status in 1999 helped me greatly as it was the first year I was named in The New Zealand All Black's.

Throughout my 59 test caps as an All black I have won the Bledisloe cup, The Tri nations, the end of year Grand slam tour of Europe. This included beating England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. This was a feat which had not been achieved for 27 years of All Black history.

One of the most memorable experiences was playing for the undefeated All Black team against The lions 2006 tour of New Zealand.

I have the honour of being one of only three All Black's to ever attend 3 world cups 1999, 2003, 2007.

I was consistently selected for the All Black's and represented my country from 1999-2007 until I decided to retire from international Rugby. After participating in 3 world cups I felt I had achieved all my goals as an All Black's.

After my successful involvement with Otago rugby football Union I decided to make a career change and move to play for the Waikato Provence and The Chiefs in 2004.

I helped the Chiefs franchise rise from the bottom of the Super 14 table to two semi-final games. In my first season with the Chiefs I was named the most important player of the year, 2004. I played a total of 38 games for The Chiefs.

In 2006 playing for The Waikato Provence I won the New Zealand, National Provincial Competition. I also played 14 games with Waikato.

After my 3rd world Cup with the All Black's I decided to enhance my international experience. I have long held a desire to play in France, to experience the French culture and learn the language.

For my first season in France, 2007-2008, I chose to play for one of Frances strongest teams, Stade Toulouse.

In my first season playing for Stade Toulouse we won the French national competition, The Top 14 (2007). Stade Toulouse had previously not won the championship for 7 years. I helped them to succeed in winning in my first year here.

For the Season 2007-2008 I was named player of the year for the whole of France. In the 2010 season Toulouse won The Heineken cup becoming champions of Europe. Stade Toulouse had previously not won for 5 years.

I have gained so much life experience from international Rugby having played all over the world. During reaching the many pinnacles of my Rugby career I have been privileged to meet with many powerful, influential and worldly people. A common topic of discussion is the environment, and sustainable development. People are concerned with how we can preserve the planet for future generations.

Growing up in New Zealand has given me a strong appreciation for the environment. New Zealand culture puts great emphasis on the conservation and preservation of the environment. New Zealand's interest in sustainable development are seen equally in the schooling of its children as well as in its people's everyday living.

Kelleher for Youth aims to promote knowledge of the changing environment, by supporting initiatives or humanitarian enterprises that provide education for the youth. We support innovative actions in sustainable development which provide concrete solutions for youth.

We aim to promote an International relationship between the Youth of France and New Zealand through sport, with an added focus on Environmental awareness.