Stephen Donald

Last updated

Stephen Donald
StephenDonald.jpg
Donald during the World Cup parade, October 2011
Full nameStephen Rex Donald
Date of birth (1983-12-03) 3 December 1983 (age 41)
Place of birth Papakura, New Zealand
Height190 cm (6 ft 3 in)
Weight96 kg (212 lb; 15 st 2 lb)
School(1)Waiuku College (2) Wesley College
University University of Waikato
Rugby union career
Position(s) First five-eighth, Centre
Current team NEC Green Rockets
Senior career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2001, 2017 Counties Manukau 31 (203)
2004–2016 Waikato 60 (494)
2005–2011 Chiefs 106 (886)
2011–2013 Bath 34 (169)
2016–2017 Suntory Sungoliath 4 (5)
2017–2018 Toshiba Brave Lupus 5 (5)
2018–2019 NEC Green Rockets 11 (28)
Correct as of 6 June 2020
International career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
2003–2004 New Zealand U21 9 (68)
2005–2007 Junior All Blacks 10 (69)
2008–2011 New Zealand 25 (116)
2010–2011 Barbarian F.C. 4 (20)
Correct as of 6 June 2020

Stephen Rex Donald (born 3 December 1983) is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays for the NEC Green Rockets in the Japanese Top League. A first five-eighth or centre, [1] he has 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.

Contents

Background

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.

Domestic career

Waikato

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

Chiefs

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. [2] 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.

Bath Rugby

Donald signed for English Premiership club Bath Rugby for a 2+1⁄2-year deal. Initially denied a work permit, [3] Bath appealed the decision against the UK Government and, with the support of the RFU, won their appeal against the refusal. Donald joined Bath after the Rugby World Cup 2011, making his début in the 68th minute of their Heineken Cup clash with Glasgow on 13 November 2011, scoring a penalty with 90 seconds to go. [4]

The Blues denied reports stating that Donald had signed for the team for 2012 as a replacement for Stephen Brett and Luke McAlister, who are both heading overseas. [5]

Mitsubishi Dynaboars

In April 2013, it was announced Donald would leave Bath Rugby to join Japanese side Mitsubishi Sagamihara DynaBoars in the Top League for the 2013/14 season. [6]

International career

Stephen Donald representing the Barbarians F.C. against England at Twickenham Stadium Stephen Donald, Twickenham - May 2012.jpg
Stephen Donald representing the Barbarians F.C. against England at Twickenham Stadium

Despite an international career that had not lived up to expectations, he played for New Zealand from 2008 to 2011. Donald kicked the winning penalty for New Zealand in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. [7]

Donald played on an international-level for the All Blacks from 2008 to 2011. Throughout his time playing for the All Blacks, Donald had been the subject of harsh criticism as well as high praise.

One instance of note was in October 2010, when the All Blacks faced off against the Wallabies in a Bledisloe Cup match in Hong Kong. In the 60th minute of the game, Donald came on as a substitute for Dan Carter and the All Blacks held a five-point lead, just after Drew Mitchell scored a converted try. Donald had missed a penalty-kick that would have put the game out of reach. The situation was made worse when Donald failed to kick the ball into touch in the dying minutes of the game. After launching a counter-attack, James O'Connor scored a try in the corner to level the score. O'Connor managed to convert that try to win the game for the Australians and the blame of the loss fell primarily on Donald. [8] Although defended by team personnel, Donald had seemingly fallen out of favour with the public and selectors. After the 2010 season had culminated, the All Black selectors looked toward players such as Colin Slade and Aaron Cruden more favourably. Donald was not named in the initial 2011 Rugby World Cup All Blacks squad and with his forthcoming move to Bath Rugby, it seemed to be the end of his All Black career.

However, a string of injures hit the All Blacks that would see Donald return to the squad. During training the day before the All Blacks match against Canada, Dan Carter sustained a tournament-ending groin injury and was subsequently replaced by Aaron Cruden. On 9 October, Colin Slade sustained a groin tear which led to Donald receiving a call-up as replacement first-five for the All Blacks heading into the finals. A cartoon by Tom Scott in the lead-up to the 2011 Rugby World Cup final described it as a "nightmare" if New Zealand's fate was left in his hands. [9] Donald was not used in the semi-final against Australia, however he would be used in the final against France. Cruden sustained a knee injury 34 minutes into the first half, which left Donald to take to the field. After receiving a penalty in the 46th minute, Donald converted a penalty-kick which extended their lead to eight points. Shortly afterwards, France regained the ball from the kick-off and Thierry Dusautoir scored under the posts, bringing the score to 8–7. Despite the resilient and strong performance from the French, this would be their only set of points scored in the final. Coupled with Tony Woodcock's try, Donald's penalty-kick was ultimately what won the New Zealand side their second Rugby World Cup. After the final, Donald was hailed as the player that won the World Cup for New Zealand and had become somewhat of a national hero thereafter. [7] [10]

In honour of his contribution to winning the World Cup, his local rugby club in Waiuku has renamed their home ground to Beaver Park. [8]

A biopic on Donald's journey to the World Cup final entitled "The Kick" screened on TVNZ on 10 August 2014. [11]

Stephen appeared on the second episode of The Masked Singer NZ as "Moa", being unmasked in his first appearance.

Statistics

Test record overall: [12]

OppositionPlayedWonDrawnLostWinning % Tries Conversions Penalties Drop goals Points total
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 760185.71015017
Flag of England.svg  England 220010001002
Flag of France.svg  France 430175007021
IRFU flag.svg  Ireland 110010000000
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy 110010000000
Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa 1100100170019
Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland 2200100042014
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa 410325027025
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 110010000000
Total23180578.2611521098

Television

Donald appeared alongside Israel Dagg and Hamish Dodd in the New Zealand 2023 television series, Clubhouse Rescue. [13]

Honours

Waikato

Chiefs

Bath

New Zealand

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Zealand national rugby union team</span> Mens rugby union team of New Zealand

The New Zealand national rugby union team, commonly known as the All Blacks, represents New Zealand in men's international rugby union, which is considered the country's national sport. Famed for their international success, the All Blacks have often been regarded as one of the most successful sports teams in history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Australia national rugby union team</span>

The Australia men's national rugby union team, nicknamed the Wallabies, is the representative men's national team in the sport of rugby union for the nation of Australia. The team first played at Sydney in 1899, winning their first test match against the touring British Isles team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Carter</span> New Zealand international rugby union player

Daniel William Carter is a New Zealand retired rugby union player. Carter played for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and for New Zealand's national team, the All Blacks. He is the highest point scorer in test match rugby, and is considered by many experts as the greatest ever first five-eighth (fly-half) in the history of the game. He was named the International Rugby Board Player of the Year in 2005, 2012 and 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otago Rugby Football Union</span> Rugby team in New Zealand

The Otago Rugby Football Union is the official governing body of rugby union for the Otago region of New Zealand. The union is based in the city of Dunedin, and its home ground is Forsyth Barr Stadium. The top representative team competes in the ITM Cup, New Zealand's top provincial competition. The union was to have been liquidated in March 2012. However a deal involving the Dunedin City Council allowed it to keep operating. Otago have won the Ranfurly Shield on seven occasions. They were the National provincial championship winners in 1991 and 1998. They have a proud record playing international teams, having defeated South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cory Jane</span> New Zealand rugby union player

Cory Steven Jane is a former New Zealand international rugby union player and current assistant coach. He was a part of the World Cup winning squad in the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Israel Dagg</span> New Zealand rugby player (1988-2023)

Israel Jamahl Akuhata Dagg is a former New Zealand rugby union player who played for the Crusaders in Super Rugby. He has also played for the New Zealand Sevens team, and represents Hawkes Bay in the ITM Cup.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Colin Slade</span> NZ international rugby union player

Colin Richard Slade is a retired New Zealand professional rugby union player. He played primarily at first five-eighth, as well as all other backline positions on occasions. He was first selected for the All Blacks in 2009. He was a key member of the 2011 Rugby World Cup winning team. He was also included in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, but played in only one match against Namibia. He thus became one of only 44 players who have won the Rugby World Cup on multiple occasions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Smith (rugby union)</span> New Zealand rugby union player, born 1986

Benjamin Robert Smith is a retired New Zealand rugby union player, currently working for Super Rugby side Highlanders' management team. He formerly played for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition, Otago in the ITM Cup, Pau in the Top 14 and Kobelco Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aaron Cruden</span> New Zealand rugby union player

Aaron Wiremu Cruden is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for Waikato and formerly Montpellier, Manawatu and New Zealand internationally. Cruden's usual position is fly-half.

The Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union (CMRFU) is the governing body of rugby union in Southern Auckland and the Franklin district of New Zealand. Nicknamed the Steelers, their colours are red, white, and black horizontal bands. The Steelers moniker is a reference to the Glenbrook steel factory, which is in the area. The union is based in Pukekohe, and plays at Navigation Homes Stadium.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Karl Ifwersen</span> NZ dual-code rugby international footballer

Karl Donald Ifwersen (1893–1967) was a New Zealand rugby football player who represented New Zealand in both rugby league and rugby union.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lima Sopoaga</span> Rugby player

Lima Zachariah Sopoaga is a professional rugby union player who plays as a fly-half for Japan Rugby League One club Shimizu Blue Sharks. Born in New Zealand, he represents Samoa at international level after qualifying on ancestry grounds.

The 2011 Rugby World Cup Final was a rugby union match between France and New Zealand, to determine the winner of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The match took place on 23 October 2011 at Eden Park, in Auckland, New Zealand. New Zealand won the match 8–7.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beauden Barrett</span> New Zealand rugby union player (born 1991)

Beauden John Barrett is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays as a First five-eighth or Fullback for the Blues in Super Rugby and Taranaki in the Bunnings NPC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Crotty</span> Rugby player

Ryan Stevenson Crotty is a New Zealand-born rugby union Rugby player. He currently plays as a midfield back for Canterbury in the Bunnings NPC and the Crusaders in the Super Rugby competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Taylor (rugby union)</span> NZ international rugby union player (born 1989)

Thomas James Taylor is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He played as a second five-eighth or first five-eighth for the Crusaders in Super Rugby. and Canterbury in the ITM Cup. He can also play fullback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anton Lienert-Brown</span> New Zealand rugby union player

Anton Russell Lienert-Brown is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays as a Centre for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and Waikato in the Bunnings NPC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damian McKenzie</span> Rugby player

Damian Sinclair McKenzie is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays as a First five-eighth or Fullback for the Chiefs in Super Rugby and Waikato in the Bunnings NPC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryn Gatland</span> New Zealand rugby union footballer and coach (1995-)

Bryn Gatland is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as a fly-half for Kobelco Kobe Steelers in Japan's Rugby League One. Gatland is the son of international coach and former player Warren Gatland.

References

  1. ↑ Stephen Donald at the All Blacks (archived)
  2. ↑ "Stephen Donald winds back the clock with vintage performance in victory over Wales". Stuff.
  3. ↑ "Donald left in limbo". iafrica.com. 18 July 2011. Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  4. ↑ "Glasgow Warriors 26–21 Bath". BBC News. 13 November 2011.
  5. ↑ Leggat, David (18 July 2011). "Dalton dismisses report of Donald joining Blues". The New Zealand Herald . Retrieved 18 July 2011.
  6. ↑ "Stephen Donald to leave Bath to go to Japan". BBC Sport. 1 April 2013.
  7. 1 2 "New Zealand hero Stephen Donald delights in 'unreal' World Cup journey". BBC News. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
  8. 1 2 James Ihaka and Vaimoana Tapaleao (29 October 2011). "Beaver fever in All Black Donald's hometown". The New Zealand Herald . Retrieved 13 November 2011.
  9. ↑ "Tom Scott cartoon". Stuff.co.nz . 1 March 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
  10. ↑ Johnston, Kirsty (24 October 2011). "Stephen Donald: From ugly duck to darling". Stuff.co.nz . Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 13 November 2011.
  11. ↑ "The Kick Documentary". TVNZ . 10 August 2014. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
  12. ↑ "Statsguru / Player analysis / Beauden Barrett / Test matches". Scrum. ESPN. Retrieved 30 December 2015.
  13. ↑ "Spy: Inside Israel Dagg's new TV show - Clubhouse Rescue". NZ Herald. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.