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Stephen Donald

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Stephen Donald

Stephen Rex Donald (born 3 December 1983) is a retired New Zealand rugby union player who played for the NEC Green Rockets in the Japanese Top League. A first five-eighth or centre, he won 24 international caps for New Zealand. Nicknamed 'Beaver', he is best known for kicking the winning penalty in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.

Donald grew up in Waiuku where his father was a teacher. He attended Sandspit Road School and Waiuku College. After the Sixth Form year he was given the opportunity to go to Wesley College for his final year.

He played First five-eighth for the Wesley First XV rugby team, coached by Nick Leger, along with Sitiveni Sivivatu, Tame Tupou, Viliame Veikoso, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Ezra Taylor and Tomasi Soqeta.

Initially progressing and playing through all levels for the Waikato province in the ITM Cup.

He then played for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby competition. He would initially play for the franchise from 2005 until 2011.

In 2015, Donald had signed to return to New Zealand to play for Waikato in the ITM Cup. Donald made his return with Waikato on 10 September 2015 against Southland at Waikato Stadium, coming on as a substitute.

In June 2016, Donald captained the Chiefs to a dominating win over Wales. Although the Welsh were the strong favourites going into the match, Donald had played a 'man of the match' role, dominating his opponents whilst also setting up two tries and perfect goal-kicking percentage which saw the Chiefs beat the Welsh 40–7. Donald also received a standing ovation from the crowd after being subbed in the 68th minute. Donald was controversially disallowed a try just before halftime after the TMO could not see any clear grounding of the ball.

In February 2019 it was announced that Donald had joined the Chiefs once again as injury cover for Tiaan Falcon.

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