Isaac Ross

Ross is of Māori descent, and played for New Zealand Māori between 2007 and 2010. He affiliates to Ngāti Kahungunu.^[1][2]

Ross followed in the footsteps of his father Jock when he pulled on an All Black jersey for the first time in 2009. In as cover for the injured Ali Williams, Ross impressed with an athletic performance in an otherwise sloppy loss to France in Dunedin. Despite fears that Ross neglected the grittier aspects of lock play, continuing injury to Williams ensured that he began the Tri-Nations in the All Black second row. He won his fourth cap against Australia in the opening game of the series, helping his side to a 22–16 win.

At domestic level Ross represented Canterbury, and has played for the Chiefs, Crusaders and Highlanders at Super Rugby level since his debut in 2007. Following the conclusion of the Tri Nations in 2009 Ross was omitted from the All Blacks November tour squad, being told to bulk up in order to reclaim his place. He failed to do so following the 2010 Super 14, and returned to the Canterbury ranks as the All Blacks romped away with the Tri Nations.

In October 2020 Ross returned to New Zealand to play for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup, making his debut for the Mako in Round 5 of the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup against Bay of Plenty.^[3] The Mako went on to win their second premiership title in a row with Ross coming off the bench in a 12-13 victory over Auckland in the final.

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Isaac Ross's talent was obvious from an early age and after starring in the Timaru Boys' High School top side, he played for the national secondary schools and age group sides before having the first of his 53 games for Canterbury in 2006.

Ross had an exceptional rugby pedigree. His father, Jock, a stalwart of Mid Canterbury, for whom he played more than 100 games, and also a lock and lineout expert, was an All Black tourist to France and Romania in 1981, while his mother, Christine, played for the Black Ferns.

Ross played Super Rugby in New Zealand from 2006 to 2011, representing the Crusaders, Highlanders, and Chiefs.^[4]

During his Super Rugby career, he made a total of 43 appearances and scored 4 tries.^[5]

His Super Rugby try scoring record includes 3 tries for the Crusaders and 1 try for the Chiefs.^[6]

On 22 May 2009, Ross was selected for the Iveco Series 26 man All Black squad. He made his debut against France on 13 June, where he partnered his Crusaders teammate, Brad Thorn. He scored his first try against Italy in the All Blacks 27–6 win over the side on 27 June 2009.^{[citation needed]}

Outside of rugby, Ross has been involved in community and media activities. He was recognized in the Jigsaw Family Services Extraordinary Dads campaign, which celebrated the role of fathers in children's lives.^[7]

He has also worked in television, appearing as a sports presenter on the New Zealand children's program The Erin Simpson Show and as a reporter on Māori Television.^[8]https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-ross-counter-matfield-magic

On a personal note, Ross is a father of four and is a qualified wedding celebrant.<ref>{{cite web https://www.1news.co.nz/2019/10/16/eight-years-into-japan-move-former-all-black-isaac-ross-not-in-a-rush-to-get-back-home/https://mycelebrantguide.co.nz/listing/269834/isaac-ross-celebrant