Considered the best rugby player in the world, Read led the Crusaders out for what was also his 100th appearance for the red and blacks.  The Crusaders lost their Round 7 match 26 – 29 to the Hurricanes, in a fast-paced, highly entertaining and physical encounter at Christchurch’s AMI Stadium (Addington).

Read, born in Papakura and schooled at Rosehill College, debuted for the Crusaders against the Blues in 2007 and the following year, he made his debut for the All Blacks against Scotland during their end of year tour.  In his 100 appearances for the Crusaders he has scored 16 tries.

Last year Read was named the New Zealand Kel Tremain Player of the Year, IRB Player of the Year, International Players’ choice Player of the Year, and the Canterbury Supreme Sportsman of the Year.

New Zealand Rugby Chief Executive Steve Tew congratulated Read on what is a significant milestone for any Super Rugby player.

“Playing 100 matches is a special occasion for any player in this competition and it’s particularly poignant that Kieran is able to mark this occasion in front of a home crowd and his family.

“Kieran is one of those unique players who we have been fortunate enough to watch as he gets better and better.  He is a dynamic player who lifts the game every time he steps onto the field.

“Through captaining the Crusaders to his leadership role in the All Blacks, he is a great athlete who shows humility and humbleness in representing the game off the field,” Tew said.

Crusaders Head Coach Todd Blackadder said:  “Reado is a truly world-class player in every respect.  Nobody works harder than Kieran off the field or is more committed on the field.  He gives everything to this team and is held in incredibly high regard as a result.  He is a leader that the players want to listen to and want to make proud.”

Crusaders Chief Executive Hamish Riach said: “We have been very fortunate to have had Kieran Read in the red and black jersey for 100 games.  He is such a talented player but more than that, he is humble, hard-working, and a genuine good bloke.  It is a pleasure and an honour to have him in the Crusaders environment and we hope that he has many more games left in him yet.”

In a special post-match presentation, New Zealand Rugby Chairman Mike Eagle gifted Read with a New Zealand Rugby greenstone mere, the traditional gift for Super Rugby centurions.   He is the 33rd New Zealander to reach the 100th milestone.  He joins this year’s fellow centurions Ben Franks (Hurricanes), Tanerau Latimer (Chiefs) and Conrad Smith (Hurricanes).  A 61-Test cap All Black, Read has captained the All Blacks seven times.