Joe Royal (rugby union)

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Joseph Royal image =
Birth nameJoseph Wirihana Royal
Date of birth (1985-05-31) 31 May 1985 (age 38)
Place of birthRotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
Height1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight113 kg (249 lb)
SchoolTe Aute College
UniversityAuckland University of Technology
SpouseKelly Morrison
ChildrenJerzy-James Royal
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker, Prop
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013–2016
2017–2019, 2021
2020-2023
2022-2023
Bay of Plenty
Counties Manukau
Auckland
Ngāti Porou East Coast
36
33
4
11
(40)
(35)
(5)
(35)
Correct as of 22 November 2022
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2022-2023 Moana Pasifika 2 (0)
Correct as of 22 November 2022
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013–2016 Māori All Blacks 6 (5)
Correct as of 18 July 2017

Joseph Wirihana Royal (born 31 May 1985 in Rotorua, New Zealand) is a New Zealand rugby union player. He plays in the hooker (and occasionally prop) position for provincial side Auckland Gulls and for New Zealand's Māori international side the Māori All Blacks.[1] Royal has previously played club rugby in Auckland before heading to Bay of Plenty Rugby in 2013 and spending 4 seasons with the Bay Steamers. After moving back home to Auckland in 2017 as an injury replacement for the Blues, has played 4 seasons with the Counties Manukau Steelers and is now with both Auckland Rugby in the Bunnings NPC and loaned to Ngāti Porou East Coast in the Heartland Championship.

Personal life[edit]

Royal is a New Zealander of Māori descent (Te Arawa, Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei and Ngāpuhi descent).[2]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Joe Royal Bay of Plenty Profile". Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  2. ^ "5 players from Ngāti Porou named in "Maori All Blacks"". Ngāti Porou East Coast. 30 June 2015. Retrieved 22 February 2024.