FORCE ADD ALL BLACKS EXPERIENCE
The Western Force is delighted to announce the signing of 2011 World Cup-winning All Black Richard Kahui to our Super Rugby AU squad.
Kahui, who plays predominantly as an outside-centre, joins the club following a seven-year stay with Japanese Top League outfit Toshiba Brave Lupus.
Having burst onto the New Zealand rugby scene after claiming the Duane Monkley Medal and being named the Air New Zealand Cup Player of the Year in 2006 with Waikato, Kahui later made his Super Rugby debut for the Highlanders that year.
Kahui then made the move to the North Island signing with the Chiefs in 2007, where he was a pivotal member of the 2012 Championship-winning side.
It was with the Chiefs where Kahui rose to prominence, with his inspired performances earning him an All Blacks cap in 2008, in which he scored the opening try in a memorable 44-12 win over England in Christchurch.
Renowned for his versatility, Kahui went on to play 17 tests for the All Blacks between 2007-2011, which included the successful 2011 Rugby World Cup campaign. Kahui played a crucial role in claiming the Webb Ellis Cup on home soil scoring four tries as a winger along the way.
In 2013 Kahui made the move to Japan, where he has made 63 appearances in the Top League, forging a reputation as one of the competition’s star players, while also captaining the Tokyo-based side since the 2017-18 season.
Western Force Head of Rugby Matt Hodgson said the addition of Kahui adds a wealth of experience to the squad.
“With 68 Super Rugby caps and a number of domestic and international honours to his name, Kahui is another quality signing for us,” Hodgson said.
“His knowledge of the game, defensive ability and the level of professionalism he brings to training will be huge for our season, we can’t wait to see him out there in the blue and black.
“It’s not just his on-field exploits that we’re excited about, as his insight and winning mentality are sure to prove invaluable for the entire team.”
Kahui has joined the squad in the Hunter Valley hub and has been actively involved in training having completed his two-week quarantine period.
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