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Dominic Bird
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Key Information
Dominic Bird (born 9 April 1991) is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays as a lock and has represented the All Blacks. He has also played for Canterbury and Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup, the Crusaders and Chiefs in Super Rugby.[1] He has also played for Racing 92 in the French Top 14.
Early life
[edit]Bird was educated at Central Hawkes Bay College. He debuted for the 1st XV in 2007 and went on to captain the side in 2008 in a historic victory over Hastings Boys High school alongside other key players the likes of Bredon Edmonds (NZ Maori), Mua Sala (Spain), Andrew Burne (Napier Tech), Jack Richardson (Ruatoria CITY). Born in Hawke's Bay, Bird moved to Christchurch where he attended Lincoln University on a Rugby Scholarship.[2]
Career
[edit]Bird was a member of the New Zealand Under 20 team which won the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship in Italy.[3]
Bird was a member of the Crusaders Wider Training Group in 2012 and was selected as a senior squad member for the 2013 Super Rugby season.[4][5] Bird was selected for the 2013 All Blacks wider training squad of 38 to train for the June test series against France and went on to make his international debut against Japan in November, starting for them in the 54–6 win before being replaced by Sam Whitelock.[6] Bird broke the record for tallest All Black in history on his debut, standing 1 cm taller than previous record holder, the now-retired Mark Cooksley. Bird made another appearance for the All Blacks one year later, starting against Scotland in a 24–16 win on the 2014 end-of-year tour after being called in as cover for Luke Romano.
Bird switched Super Rugby teams to the Chiefs for the 2016 Super Rugby season, forming a formidable locking partnership with All Blacks team-mate Brodie Retallick. Bird became a regular starter for the Chiefs, including against the touring British and Irish Lions team in 2017, with the Chiefs losing to the Lions 34–6. Bird also went on to start in the knockout rounds but the Chiefs were eliminated from the competition in the semi-final against Bird's former team the Crusaders who went on to win the competition. After a solid Mitre 10 Cup campaign, Bird was re-selected for the All Blacks for the 2017 end-of-year tour after three years' absence from international rugby. This came after Bird started against the All Blacks for the Barbarians in a 22–31 loss to the All Blacks. Bird started for the All Blacks against a French XV on 14 November and was not subbed off, with the All Blacks winning 28–23.
On 1 June 2018, Bird travelled to France to sign for Top 14 side Racing 92 ahead of the 2018–19 season.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Dominic Bird Canterbury Player Profile". Archived from the original on 1 October 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
- ^ "Super Rugby Profile: Crusaders – Dominic Bird". Archived from the original on 5 May 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
- ^ "Dominic Bird IRB JWC profile". Archived from the original on 26 January 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
- ^ "Dominic Bird Crusaders Player Profile". Stuff. 26 September 2012. Archived from the original on 7 February 2013. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
- ^ "Big lock spurns John Kirwan's overtures". Stuff. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
- ^ "Lanky NZ lock Bird ready for Test debut".
- ^ "Rugby: All Black lock Dominic Bird signs with Racing 92". The New Zealand Herald. 1 June 2018. Retrieved 23 June 2021.
External links
[edit]- Dominic Bird at European Professional Club Rugby
- Dominic Bird at ESPNscrum (archived)
- Dominic Bird at ItsRugby.co.uk
- Dominic Bird at the All Blacks (archived)
Dominic Bird
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Early life and youth career
Childhood in Waipukurau
Dominic Joseph Bird was born on 9 April 1991 in Waipukurau, a small rural town in New Zealand's Hawke's Bay region.[6] Bird is the son of John Bird, who played 81 games as a lock for Hawke’s Bay and represented the New Zealand Colts in 1981.[1] He was raised on his family's sheep and beef farm located on the outskirts of Waipukurau, approximately 50 km southwest of Hastings, where the demanding rural environment played a key role in his early development.[1][7] The daily farm chores, including yard work and tasks in the woolsheds, instilled a strong work ethic and contributed to building his physical resilience and stature from a young age, as he grew to an imposing height while engaging in outdoor activities like motocross riding on the property.[8][7] Waipukurau's rich rugby heritage, having produced five All Blacks including Jim McCormick, Wayne Neville, Alistair Robinson, and Campbell Johnstone, provided an early cultural backdrop for Bird's upbringing in a community deeply immersed in the sport.[1]Junior rugby development
Bird began his competitive rugby career playing for clubs including Upper Hutt.[6] At the end of 2009, at age 18, he relocated to Christchurch to pursue higher-level opportunities, joining Lincoln University as a student and club player while integrating into Canterbury's provincial pathways.[7] His early recognition in Canterbury's youth setups came around 2010–2011, where his imposing frame and lineout skills drew attention from selectors.[1] During this period, Bird's physical development accelerated; by his late teens, he had grown to 2.06 m (6 ft 9 in) tall and weighed 124 kg (273 lb), attributes that underscored his potential as a dominant lock in the set-piece.[9] This growth, combined with his rural upbringing in Waipukurau, built a foundation of resilience that aided his rapid progression.[10] In 2011, Bird earned selection for the New Zealand Under-20 team, representing Canterbury in the squad for the IRB Junior World Championship in Italy.[11] The team, widely regarded as one of the strongest junior sides in New Zealand history, went on to win the tournament undefeated, with Bird contributing as a reserve forward in five matches.[1][4] This victory marked a pivotal milestone, opening doors to professional contracts.[12]Professional club career
Provincial and Super Rugby in New Zealand
Bird made his provincial debut for Canterbury in the 2011 NPC season, marking the start of a successful tenure that saw him become a key forward in the squad. Over the following years, he contributed to Canterbury's dominance, helping secure three consecutive NPC titles from 2011 to 2013, along with three more from 2015 to 2017, and contributing to a total of six premiership wins during his time with the province from 2011 to 2017.[1] His standout performances in the 2013 and 2014 seasons, where he featured prominently in both regular-season matches and finals, established him as a reliable lock known for his lineout expertise and physical presence in the set piece.[12] Following his success with New Zealand's Under-20 team at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship, Bird earned a spot in the Crusaders' wider training group for the 2012 Super Rugby season, paving the way for his senior contract. He transitioned to the full senior squad in 2013, making his Super Rugby debut that year and accumulating 31 caps through 2015, during which the Crusaders reached the playoffs multiple times.[13] Bird's role often involved providing depth in the second row, with notable contributions in lineout disruption and forward carries, helping maintain the franchise's competitive edge in domestic Super Rugby.[1] Seeking more playing opportunities, Bird transferred to the Chiefs ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby season, where he quickly became a regular starter through 2018, earning 29 caps. At the Chiefs, he solidified his reputation as a lineout specialist, often serving as a primary jumper and contributor to the team's set-piece strategy, including during high-stakes matches like the 2017 encounter with the British and Irish Lions.[13] His consistent starts and physicality in the pack were instrumental in the Chiefs' playoff appearances, amassing three tries and providing leadership in the forward unit.[1] After stints overseas, Bird returned to New Zealand in 2021, signing with the Wellington Lions for the NPC and the Hurricanes for Super Rugby. He played 30 matches for Wellington from 2021 to 2023, including key roles in their 2022 NPC championship victory and Ranfurly Shield win, where his experience bolstered the second row during a 21-match winning streak in 2023.[1] With the Hurricanes in 2022 and 2023, Bird added five Super Rugby caps, primarily as a starter, offering veteran presence in the lock position during playoff pushes.[13] His final domestic season in 2023 with Wellington highlighted his enduring impact on provincial rugby before his retirement.[2]Overseas career in France
In 2018, Dominic Bird signed a two-year contract with Top 14 club Racing 92, joining the Paris-based team ahead of the 2018–19 season as a replacement for the retiring Patricio Albacete.[14][15] His prior experience in Super Rugby lineouts proved valuable, allowing him to quickly establish himself as a reliable second-row option in the demanding European environment.[9] During the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons, Bird made appearances in the Top 14 for Racing 92, despite interruptions from minor injuries and the abbreviated 2019–20 campaign due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He contributed to the team's semifinal run in the 2018–19 Top 14 playoffs and their Champions Cup final appearance in 2020, often excelling in lineout disruptions, such as stealing possession from opponents in high-pressure situations.[16] In November 2020, amid ongoing recovery from earlier setbacks, Bird extended his contract for an additional season.[9] Bird returned to Racing 92 for the 2020–21 season, where he featured in Top 14 matches, limited by a persistent neck injury that required careful management. Overall, across his three seasons with the club, he made 59 Top 14 appearances, starting 39 matches and scoring three tries. He also featured in 16 European Rugby Champions Cup matches, totaling 75 games in all competitions, and highlighted his lineout expertise in key fixtures, including steals that shifted momentum in tight contests.[17][18] Throughout his time in France, Bird faced significant challenges adapting to the Top 14's faster pace and heightened physicality compared to New Zealand rugby, which demanded greater endurance and tactical precision in set pieces.[18] Injury management, particularly the neck issue in his final year, curtailed his playing time and tested his resilience, though he credited the professional medical support at Racing 92 for aiding his recovery.[18] These experiences underscored the rigors of overseas play, where consistent availability became crucial for maintaining a starting role in a star-studded squad.[19]International career
Junior representative teams
Bird represented New Zealand at the under-20 level in 2011, serving as a lock in the IRB Junior World Championship held in Italy.[1] The team, coached by Mark Anscombe, completed an undefeated campaign, securing victories in all five matches, including a 33–22 final win over England to claim the title.[11][20][21] As part of a highly talented squad featuring future All Blacks such as Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, and Beauden Barrett, Bird contributed significantly to the forwards' set-piece dominance, utilizing his 2.06-meter frame to excel in lineout situations.[1][22] His performances helped establish a strong foundation for his professional career, with the tournament's success highlighting him as a promising second-rower.[23] The 2011 victory, widely regarded as one of New Zealand's strongest junior teams, propelled Bird into greater recognition, paving the way for his inclusion in the All Blacks wider training group in 2013 ahead of the British and Irish Lions series.[4][24]Senior All Blacks appearances
Bird was included in the All Blacks wider training squad for the June 2013 series against France, marking his initial entry into the senior national setup as a promising lock from the Crusaders.[24] His test debut came on 2 November 2013 against Japan in Tokyo, where he started at lock in a 54–6 victory, becoming the first uncapped player to feature in the match as part of an experimental lineup during the end-of-year tour.[1][25] Bird's performance highlighted his lineout prowess. Bird earned his second test cap on 15 November 2014 against Scotland in Edinburgh, starting again at lock alongside Jeremy Thrush in a 24–16 win, providing aerial strength in the lineout amid injuries to key forwards like Brodie Retallick.[1][26] Despite further recalls to the All Blacks squad in 2016 and 2017, persistent injuries limited his involvement, resulting in just one additional appearance.[1] That third outing occurred on 14 November 2017 in a non-test midweek match against France XV in Lyon, where Bird started at lock in a narrow 28–23 victory, contributing to the forward pack's set-piece dominance.[1][27] Across his three All Blacks appearances—two tests and one game—Bird maintained a 100% win rate but received no further caps, totaling zero points scored.[1] At 2.06 meters tall, Bird holds the record as the tallest All Black in history, surpassing Mark Cooksley by one centimeter and offering a unique aerial presence in the lineout that added height and reach to the pack despite his abbreviated international tenure.[10][1]Retirement and legacy
Decision to retire
On 11 December 2023, Dominic Bird announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 32, concluding a 12-year career. The decision came after he opted not to pursue further contracts, with his retirement taking effect at the end of the 2023 Bunnings NPC season playing for the Wellington Lions.[10][2] Bird emphasized that his primary motivation was to prioritize his young family, stating that his children are based in Wellington and he wished to remain there rather than relocate for additional playing opportunities. This choice reflected a deliberate focus on work-life balance, allowing him to spend more quality time with his partner and kids after years of professional commitments that often required overseas moves.[10][2][28] In reflecting on the decision, Bird acknowledged the physical toll of his career, expressing relief at no longer needing to endure rigorous fitness tests such as the "broncos" shuttle run, which highlighted the cumulative strain of elite-level play. He also noted past injuries, including multiple shoulder issues during his Super Rugby stints with the Crusaders and Chiefs, as well as a fractured foot in 2016, and challenges sustained while playing in France for Racing 92, which had periodically sidelined him. These experiences, alongside his achievements like All Blacks selection and NPC titles, prompted his contemplation of stepping away at this stage.[28][29][14][30]Career impact and statistics
Dominic Bird's professional rugby career spanned over a decade, from 2012 to 2023, during which he amassed 166 first-class matches, securing victories in 125 of them. In Super Rugby, he accumulated 65 caps across three franchises: 31 with the Crusaders (2013–2015), 29 with the Chiefs (2016–2018), and 5 with the Hurricanes (2022). His provincial record includes 79 National Provincial Championship (NPC) appearances, split between 53 games for Canterbury and the remainder for Wellington, while in France, he made 75 appearances for Racing 92 (2018–2022). Internationally, Bird earned 3 All Blacks appearances (1 Test cap and 2 non-Test matches), starting all against Japan (Test, 2013), the United States (non-Test, 2014), and Scotland (non-Test, 2014), maintaining a perfect 100% win rate.[1][17] Bird's key achievements highlight his role as a reliable second-row forward and lineout specialist. He was part of the New Zealand Under-20 team that won the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship. Domestically, he contributed to seven NPC titles, including six with Canterbury (2011–2013, 2017) and one with Wellington (2022), including their Ranfurly Shield defense that year. In Super Rugby, he helped the Crusaders reach the 2014 final as runners-up, and with Racing 92, he featured in the 2020 European Rugby Champions Cup final, also as runners-up. Additionally, Bird was involved in two Rugby Championship-winning All Blacks squads in 2014 and 2017, though his personal appearances were limited to the earlier campaign. Over his career, he scored 12 tries, with 3 each in Super Rugby and the Top 14, underscoring his contributions in a physically demanding position.[1][17][9] At 2.06 meters tall, Bird holds the distinction as the tallest All Black in history, a physical attribute that influenced modern lock tactics by emphasizing height advantages in lineouts and set-piece dominance. His arrival at the Chiefs in 2016 bolstered their forward pack stability, providing athleticism and size that complemented the unit's dynamics during a competitive Super Rugby era. Similarly, his signing by Racing 92 in 2018 headlined their recruitment of international talent, replacing veteran Patricio Albacete and adding depth to a squad featuring stars like Dan Carter. Post-retirement, Bird is noted for his durability, having sustained a 12-year professional career in the high-impact lock role despite injuries like a season-ending shoulder issue in 2018, exemplifying resilience in elite rugby. Following retirement, Bird became the Director of Rugby at Scots College in Wellington in February 2024.[31][23][32][10][3]| Competition | Appearances | Tries | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Super Rugby | 65 | 3 | 2014 Finalist (Crusaders) |
| NPC | 79 | 5 | 7 Titles (2011–2013, 2017, 2022) |
| Top 14 | 59 | 3 | 2020 ERC Finalist (Racing 92) |
| All Blacks | 3 | 0 | 100% Win Rate; Tallest Player |