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George Bridge
George Bridge
George Bridge
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Key Information

George Crispin Bridge (born 1 April 1995)[1][2][3] is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays for the Western Force in the Super Rugby. Bridge made his international debut for New Zealand in 2018, aged 23.

Early life

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Born and raised in Gisborne, Bridge took up rugby at the age of 5 and before long his skills brought him to the attention of New Zealand provincial rugby giants Canterbury. He played age-grade rugby with them all the way up to the age of 19 and was named as Canterbury's under-19 player of the year in 2014. He also spent time with the Crusaders academy and made a big impression in a Super Rugby warm-up match with the Reds in 2016 in which he scored two tries.[3]

Rugby career

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Early career

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Bridge's breakthrough came in 2016 when he was selected for the Canterbury squad for that year's Mitre 10 Cup. He scored five tries in eight matches as the Cantabrians finished the season as Premiership champions, their eighth title in nine years.[4]

Bridge was a member of the New Zealand Under 20 side which competed in the 2015 World Rugby Under 20 Championship in Italy where he made two appearances and scored a try.[4][5]

His debut season at provincial level saw him coached by Canterbury legend Scott Robertson and like his coach, Bridge found himself promoted to Super Rugby level in 2017, earning a contract with the Crusaders.[1] Bridge made a successful start to the 2017 season, notching his first Super Rugby try against the Waratahs in Sydney. The Crusaders withstood a late charge, to win the contest 41–22. Bridge has subsequently elevated his game, scoring a hat trick of tries during the Crusaders 57–21 demolition of the Stormers in Christchurch on 21 April 2017. Bridge followed this effort with another 3 tries a week later, during another comprehensive Crusaders win over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on 29 April 2017.

With All Black midfielder Ryan Crotty out injured, Bridge was moved into the starting XV for the Crusaders, to play against the touring 2017 British & Irish Lions team, on 10 June 2017. Bridge played for 65 minutes of the historic fixture, before he was replaced by Tim Bateman. The Crusaders lost 3–12.

Bridge was voted as the Crusaders' Rookie of the Year by his team-mates at the end of the 2017 season, when they won the Super Rugby final against the Lions, beating the Lions by 25–17. Bridge came off the bench in the match, completing his 2017 season on a high note and then, was subsequently signed on to 2022 by the Crusaders.[6]

On 4 November 2017 on his first International debut, Bridge started at 15 in the Barbarians F.C. vs the All Blacks under former Crusader and Wallaby coach Robbie Deans. Alongside his fellow Crusader teammate Richie Mo'unga at 10, Bridge scored two tries, making him one of the highest scoring Kiwis in single match against the All Blacks[7]

2018

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Bridge became a regular starter for the Crusaders during the 2018 Super Rugby season, with team-mate and established All Black winger Israel Dagg continuing to struggle with injury. Bridge was one of the top-try scorers of the 2018 season and scored his 15th try of the season during the semi-final against the Hurricanes. Bridge's form during the season saw Dagg displaced from the match-day 23 during the Super Rugby playoffs, with Bridge starting in the Super Rugby final. The Crusaders once again played against the Lions in the final, on 4 August 2018, beating them for the second consecutive year and winning 37–18.[8]

Bridge started in the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup's final, against Auckland, on 27 October 2018. Bridge scored a try for Canterbury in the first half, but the team disappointingly lost to Auckland 40-33 after going into extra time. Bridge was, however, selected for the All Blacks after the final. All Blacks head coach, Steve Hansen, extended the squad size to 51 players for the 2018 end-of-year rugby union internationals, with intention to rest first-choice players during the tour.[9]

On 3 November 2018, Bridge made his second international test appearance and debut for New Zealand during the All Blacks vs Japan test. Bridge replaced the injured Nehe Milner-Skudder off the bench at half-time and he scored two tries in the second half, including one off his first touch of the ball in international rugby. Bridge made his debut alongside Crusaders team-mates Brett Cameron and Mitchell Drummond, with the All Blacks beating Japan 69–31.

2019–2020

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Having supplanted Rieko Ioane, Bridge became a regular starter for New Zealand in 2019. In his starting role, he scored a try against Australia on 17 August 2019 and on 7 September 2019, he scored 4 tries in New Zealand's 92–7 win over Tonga.

On 28 August, All Blacks coach, Steve Hansen named Bridge as one of 31 players in New Zealand's squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.[10] Bridge played in 4 tests during the World Cup, starting in all of them, including New Zealand's 7–19 loss to England in the semi-final. Bridge was replaced by Jordie Barrett shortly after half-time, during the semi-final.

Bridge scored six tries[11][12] for the Crusaders in 2020, including three in the revamped Super Rugby Aotearoa's inaugural season, following New Zealand's national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Crusaders won Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Following selection for the South Island in the 2020 North vs South rugby union match, Bridge was once again selected for the All Blacks in a shortened test season, by new head coach, Ian Foster. Bridge played in their opening test of the 2020 season, a 16–16 draw against Australia, on 11 October at a near-capacity crowd in Wellington. Bridge did not play again in 2020, following an injury at training.

2025

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In August 2025, Bridge signed a two-year deal with Perth-based Super Rugby team, the Western Force, to begin in 2026.[13][14]

Honours

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

George Bridge

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
George Bridge (born 1 April 1995) is a professional player who primarily plays as a winger for the in Pacific and has represented the All Blacks internationally with 19 Test caps and 12 tries. Born in Gisborne, , Bridge stands at 186 cm tall and weighs 96 kg, making him a dynamic and speedy outside back capable of also playing fullback. He debuted for the All Blacks in 2018 against , scoring two tries in a 69-31 victory, and went on to feature in the squad, starting four matches and scoring against and . With the All Blacks, he contributed to the title. Bridge's domestic career began with in the National Provincial Championship (now Bunnings NPC), where he played 44 matches and scored 22 tries from 2016 to 2022. He rose to prominence with the Crusaders in , joining in 2017 as Rookie of the Year and accumulating 82 caps with 37 tries over six seasons, during which he helped secure six titles, including back-to-back wins in 2017 and 2018 (scoring 15 tries in the latter), as well as two crowns. In 2022, he moved to France's competition with , earning 48 caps and 11 tries until 2025. In August 2025, Bridge signed a two-year contract with the , arriving in November 2025 ahead of the 2026 Pacific season.

Early life

Family background

George Bridge was born on 1 April 1995 in Gisborne, New Zealand. He grew up in the rural community of Manutuke, near Gisborne, as the youngest of three boys born to parents Crispin and Chick Bridge. The Bridge family maintained strong rural roots, with Crispin and Chick working as farmers on a property in Manutuke near Patutahi. This farm-based lifestyle immersed Bridge in an environment centered on hands-on labor, such as mustering , which instilled values of hard work and resilience from an early age. Chick also contributed to the local community as a staff member at Gisborne Boys' High School. The family's sporting heritage further shaped Bridge's upbringing. His father, Crispin, had played rugby at the first XV level for King's College and later represented Poverty Bay. On his mother's side, Bridge's grandfather competed in equestrian events for New Zealand at the Olympics, while several cousins pursued representative sports. These influences, combined with the demands of rural life and abundant outdoor activities, fostered Bridge's early interest in athletics and physical pursuits.

Youth development in rugby

George Bridge began playing rugby at the Ngatapa club in Patutahi as a young child. At age 17, he moved to to attend Lindisfarne College as a boarder, where he played first XV rugby and began representing in provincial youth teams. He honed his skills as a winger, focusing on speed and finishing ability, which became hallmarks of his playing style. His family's encouragement played a key role in fostering his early participation in sports, including rugby. In 2014, at age 19, he earned the under-19 Player of the Year award, recognizing his standout performances in age-grade rugby for the province. Bridge's progression culminated in his selection for the under-20 team in 2015, where he appeared in three matches and scored one try during the World Rugby Under 20 Championship. This international exposure at the junior level marked a significant milestone, showcasing his potential before transitioning to senior provincial rugby.

Club career

Canterbury (2016–2022)

George Bridge made his professional debut for Canterbury in the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup, the provincial domestic competition in New Zealand (later rebranded as the Bunnings NPC), where he featured in 8 matches and scored 5 tries as a rookie winger. His explosive pace and finishing ability were evident early, including a try just five minutes into Canterbury's 63–7 rout of Hawke's Bay in round four, contributing to the team's dominant regular season. Bridge's efforts helped Canterbury clinch the Mitre 10 Cup title that year, defeating Southland 43–23 in the final to secure their eighth premiership in nine seasons. Over his six-year tenure with Canterbury from 2016 to 2022, Bridge played 44 matches in the competition, accumulating 110 points primarily through 22 tries. He was instrumental in back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017, while also helping the side reach the final in as runners-up. Standout performances highlighted his try-scoring prowess and speed on the , such as a in Canterbury's 78–5 demolition of Counties Manukau in 2017, where he crossed for three tries amid a team total of 12. Another memorable display came later that season in a 78–20 defense against Southland, where Bridge again scored a , underscoring his ability to exploit defensive gaps in high-stakes provincial play. In , his consistent contributions earned him a spot in the Mitre 10 Cup Team of the Year. During this period, Bridge's development with paralleled his entry into with the Crusaders franchise in 2017.

Crusaders (2017–2022)

George Bridge made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2017 against the in , scoring his first try in the 41-22 victory. In his rookie season, he featured in 18 matches, crossing for eight tries—including hat-tricks against the (57-24 win) and the (48-21 win)—and earned the franchise's Rookie of the Year award for his explosive pace and finishing ability. The Crusaders clinched the title that year, defeating the Lions 25-17 in the final, with Bridge contributing to the team's dominant campaign. Building on his breakout year, Bridge excelled in the 2018 season, scoring 15 tries during the regular season to lead the competition in that category and helping secure a home final. He played a pivotal role in the championship decider, assisting in the Crusaders' 37-18 triumph over the Lions, marking back-to-back titles for the franchise. His standout performances that year saw him selected as the sole Crusaders representative in the Team of the Season, highlighting his impact on both attack and defense. Bridge extended his contract with the Crusaders in May 2018, committing through to the end of the 2022 season, while also re-signing with provincial side until 2021. Over the subsequent seasons, including the COVID-affected 2020 competition, which the Crusaders won by defeating the Highlanders 32-22 in the final round—he maintained his consistency as a key winger. In total, from 2017 to 2022, Bridge appeared in 82 matches for the Crusaders, scoring 37 tries worth 185 points and contributing to six championship successes.

Montpellier (2022–2025)

In 2022, George Bridge signed a three-year contract with , marking his transition to the Top 14 after a successful stint with the Crusaders in , where he sought new challenges in European rugby. The move, announced in October 2022, came after Bridge had fallen out of All Blacks contention due to prior disruptions including injuries and competition for selection, prompting him to prioritize overseas development over potential national team recall for the . During his tenure from 2022 to 2025, Bridge played 48 matches for across the , , and European Rugby Challenge Cup, scoring 11 tries for a total of 55 points. In the 2022–23 season, his integration period saw him feature in 14 games—11 in the and 3 in the —where he scored 4 tries, including a debut try in a 19–14 loss to Clermont Auvergne on 3 December 2022, helping him adapt to the league's physical demands despite the team's mid-table struggles. The following 2023–24 campaign brought 16 appearances (13 , 3 ), with 4 more tries, highlighted by a brace against Ospreys in the on 17 December 2023, contributing to 's progression in the competition amid a season of inconsistent domestic results. Bridge's final year in 2024–25 featured in 18 matches (15 , 3 ), yielding 3 tries, such as one against on 5 October 2024, as he maintained his role as a reliable winger in a squad that topped their group with 19 points but finished 9th in the with 56 points overall. Throughout his time at , Bridge faced no major reported injuries, allowing consistent participation, though the team's mixed record—20 wins, 1 draw, and 27 losses in his 48 outings—reflected broader challenges in establishing dominance in the physically intense European environment. His contributions emphasized speed and finishing, aligning with the 's emphasis on robust backline play.

Western Force (2026–)

In August 2025, George Bridge signed a two-year contract with the Western Force, scheduled to join the team in November 2025 ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season and marking his return to the competition following a three-year tenure in France with Montpellier. Bridge cited his enthusiasm for aligning with a club on an upward trajectory, emphasizing his intent to leverage his experience in aiding the Force's rebuilding phase within the Australian conference, while also highlighting a personal affinity for Perth developed through prior engagements with the team's personnel. He is set to feature primarily as a winger, with versatility to cover fullback duties. Arriving for pre-season preparations, Bridge's 96 kg build and renowned speed—key attributes that have defined his explosive playing style—are anticipated to bolster the Force's backline depth, injecting professionalism, rugby acumen, and attacking potency to elevate the squad's competitiveness in pursuit of finals contention.

International career

New Zealand under-20s (2015)

George Bridge earned selection to the under-20s squad for the 2015 following strong performances in domestic youth rugby, including being named the 2014 Under-19 Player of the Year. The tournament, held in from 2 to 20 June, provided Bridge with his first taste of international youth competition, where he featured as a versatile back, primarily on the or at fullback. Over the course of the event, Bridge appeared in three matches, scoring one try for a total of five points. His standout contribution came in the pool stage against on 2 , where he crossed for a try in New Zealand's dominant 68–10 victory, demonstrating his pace and finishing ability that would later define his senior career. As part of a talented squad that topped Pool C and advanced to win the with a 21–16 final triumph over —their first title since 2011—Bridge gained valuable exposure to high-stakes rugby against top global opposition. This experience marked a pivotal step in his development, honing his skills in a successful team environment led by coach Scott Robertson.

All Blacks (2018–2021)

George Bridge made his All Blacks debut on 3 November 2018 against in , where he started on the wing and scored two tries in a 69–31 victory. This performance under head coach marked Bridge as a promising finisher, earning him a regular starting role on the left wing for subsequent Tests. In 2019, Bridge's form peaked during the Rugby Championship and preparations, highlighted by a standout performance against on 7 September, where he scored four tries in a 92–7 win. He featured in four of New Zealand's five matches at the in , starting the pool-stage victories over (23–13 on 21 September) and (71–9 on 6 October)—as the match against scheduled for 12 October was cancelled due to —the quarterfinal win over (46–14 on 19 October, where he scored a try), and the semifinal loss to (19–7 on 26 October). Under Hansen's final year and Ian Foster's incoming tenure from 2020, Bridge continued as a key winger, contributing to series wins against , , and . Over his international career from 2018 to 2021, Bridge earned 19 Test caps, scoring 12 tries for a total of 60 points. His last appearance came on 20 November 2021 against in , a 40–25 defeat during the Autumn Nations Series. Following this, Bridge was not selected for further All Blacks squads, shifting his focus to club rugby overseas after departing in 2022.

Honours

Team achievements

George Bridge made his professional debut with during the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup season, contributing as a rookie winger to the team's successful campaign that culminated in a 43–27 victory over Tasman in the Premiership final. In 2017, Bridge continued to feature prominently, helping secure another title with a 35–13 win over Tasman in the final. Bridge joined the Crusaders for the , featuring in all 18 matches, including the playoffs, as the team secured the championship with a 25–17 win over the Lions in the final. In 2018, he started on the wing in the final, helping the Crusaders defend their title with a 37–18 triumph against the Lions. The Crusaders completed a in 2019, with Bridge starting in the final where they defeated the Jaguares 19–3. The 2020 season was disrupted by the , leading to the competition; Bridge scored two tries in the decisive match, powering the Crusaders to a 32–22 victory over the Highlanders to claim the title. Bridge also contributed to the Crusaders' 2021 title and their 2022 Pacific championship, defeating the 21–7 in the final. During his tenure with Montpellier from 2022 to 2025, the team did not win the Top 14 championship but remained competitive in the league, finishing mid-table in the 2022–23 season and avoiding relegation in 2023–24 by defeating 20–18 in the promotion/relegation playoff.

International

Bridge contributed to New Zealand's title, featuring in matches during the tournament win.

Individual awards

In 2014, Bridge was named Canterbury's Under-19 Player of the Year, recognizing his standout performances in provincial youth rugby. During his debut season with the Crusaders in 2017, Bridge scored 8 tries in 18 appearances, earning him the franchise's Rookie of the Year award for his explosive contributions on the wing. On the international stage, Bridge achieved a personal best by scoring four tries in a single Test match for the All Blacks against on 7 September 2019, during a warm-up where secured a 92-7 victory.

References

  1. https://stats.allblacks.com/all-players/profile/George-Bridge-AB-1178
  2. https://westernforce.rugby/news/force-land-all-blacks-winger-bridge-twoyear-deal-202585
  3. https://westernforce.rugby/players/george-bridge/2722
  4. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/397707/all-blacks-dream-a-bridge-not-too-far
  5. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/116456387/george-bridge-country-boy-who-found-the-fast-lane-all-the-way-to-the-all-blacks
  6. https://www.allblacks.com/news/george-bridge-signs-with-montpellier
  7. https://crusaders.co.nz/latest/news/thank-you-george-bridge/
  8. https://www.rugbyhistory.co.nz/player/george-c-bridge
  9. https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/george-bridge-35002.html
  10. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/mitre-10-cup-roundup-three-kickers-combine-79-points-video/
  11. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/mitre-10-cup/canterbury-maul-southland-retain-shield
  12. https://www.sportsfreak.co.nz/the-mitre-10-cup-team-of-2018/
  13. https://www.ultimaterugby.com/george-bridge
  14. https://www.planetrugby.com/news/all-blacks-and-crusaders-wing-george-bridge-ends-international-career-after-signing-with-top-14-side-montpellier
  15. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/former-all-black-chooses-western-force-for-super-rugby-return/
  16. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20221203-ex-all-black-bridge-scores-but-loses-on-montpellier-bow
  17. https://all.rugby/player/george-bridge
  18. https://www.reuters.com/sports/former-all-blacks-winger-bridge-signs-with-western-force-2025-08-05/
  19. https://super.rugby/superrugby/player-profile/?competition=205&season=2020&team=96&player=23336
  20. https://www.ultimaterugby.com/player/view/7671
  21. https://www.rugbydatabase.co.nz/player/index.php?playerId=6
  22. https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/33213557
  23. https://www.world.rugby/beta/match/21773
  24. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/where-are-they-now-the-2015-new-zealand-u20-world-champions/
  25. https://www.1news.co.nz/2018/11/04/ive-been-dreaming-for-this-george-bridge-beams-after-heroic-all-blacks-debut/
  26. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/sep/07/all-blacks-thrash-tonga-in-rugby-world-cup-warm-up
  27. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360781043/western-force-sign-19-cap-all-blacks-winger-george-bridge-two-year-deal
  28. https://www.sporty.co.nz/crfu/newsarticle/46661
  29. https://www.sporty.co.nz/crfu/newsarticle/53708
  30. https://crusaders.co.nz/latest/news/farewelling-our-crusaders/
  31. https://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/2020/0809/1158147-crusaders-claim-super-rugby-aotearoa-title/
  32. https://www.rugbypass.com/news/bernard-laportes-montpellier-escape-relegation-by-a-whisker/
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