KIERAN READ TIMELINE

2006

Read, having shifted from Counties where he was at school, first plays for Canterbury in the NPC.

2007

Wins a place in the Crusaders squad and plays more than expected due to the absence of Reuben Thorne and Richie McCaw who are given an enforced absence to prepare for the World Cup. Read is outstanding at blindside flanker.

2008

Helps the Crusaders win Super Rugby and is widely seen as player of the championship. But is overlooked by the All Blacks who say he would benefit from time o• and another provincial campaign.

2008

Having promised to select him for the end of year tour after rejecting him in June, the All Blacks are true to their word and Read makes his debut at blindside against Scotland in November.

2009

The All Blacks and Crusaders shift him to No 8 and by the end of that season he has established himself as first choice in the position.

2010

Is named New Zealand Player of the Year – beating McCaw who was World Player of the Year.

2011

Captains the Crusaders as McCaw missed most of the campaign with a broken foot. Later that year Read is an integral part of the All Blacks side that wins the World Cup.

2012

Captains the All Blacks for the first time. He’s asked to skipper the team against Italy – a sign he is being groomed for the future.

2013

Has an outstanding year and is World Rugby Player of the Year and instrumental in the All Blacks going through the season undefeated.

2015

Wins a second World Cup with the All Blacks.

2016

Takes over the All Blacks captaincy on a permanent basis and leads them to a world record 18 consecutive victories.

2017

Helps the Crusaders win another Super Rugby title and captains the All Blacks to a drawn series against the British & Irish Lions. Wins his 100th cap in the process.

2018

Wins another Super Rugby title with the Crusaders and Rugby Championship with the All Blacks.