John Kirwan (rugby)

Sir John Kirwan 2013

John Kirwan (born 16 December 1964) is a former New Zealand rugby union player and coach. Kirwan played as a wing and is best known for his international rugby career with the All Blacks, where he was one of the most prolific try-scorers in international rugby. After retiring from playing, Kirwan went on to have a coaching career, which included stints with the Italian and Japanese national teams, as well as with various club sides.

Playing Career

John Kirwan made his debut for the All Blacks in 1984 and quickly established himself as a key player due to his speed, strength, and ability to score tries from almost any situation. He was a part of the New Zealand squad that won the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, a tournament during which he scored some memorable tries, including a spectacular solo effort against Italy in the opening game. Over his international career, Kirwan played 63 tests for the All Blacks, scoring 35 tries, which at the time of his retirement was one of the highest totals in rugby union history.

During his club career, Kirwan played for domestic teams in New Zealand, as well as for clubs in Italy and Japan, bringing his dynamic playing style to leagues around the world.

Coaching Career

After retiring as a player, Kirwan transitioned into coaching. He took on the role of head coach for the Italian national team in 2002, a position he held until 2005. Under his guidance, Italy showed signs of improvement, becoming more competitive on the international stage. Kirwan then moved to Japan, where he coached the Japanese national team from 2007 to 2011. His tenure with Japan was marked by a focus on developing a fast-paced, attacking style of play.

Kirwan also had coaching roles with club teams, including a period with the Blues in Super Rugby, where he aimed to bring through a new generation of talent and instill a positive playing philosophy.

Legacy

John Kirwan's impact on rugby, both as a player and a coach, has been significant. As a player, he was known for his exceptional athleticism and try-scoring ability, which made him one of the most exciting wingers of his era. As a coach, his efforts to develop rugby in countries like Italy and Japan have contributed to the global growth of the game.

In addition to his rugby career, Kirwan has been open about his struggles with depression, using his platform to raise awareness and advocate for mental health support. His work in this area has been widely recognized and appreciated, further adding to his legacy both within and outside the rugby community.

Personal Life

John Kirwan was born in Auckland, New Zealand. Beyond his rugby and advocacy work, he has also been involved in various media and business ventures, showcasing a diverse skill set and interests outside of the sport.

See Also

• List of New Zealand rugby union Test matches
• Rugby World Cup winners
• Mental health in sports

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