Pine Tree — Colin Meads is the most iconic All Black in the history of New Zealand rugby union and a symbol of the game's physical and moral values for three generations of players. Meads played 55 Tests between 1957 and 1971, captained New Zealand in 14 of them and was the most feared lock forward in the world across two decades. His famous dismissal in the 1967 test against Scotland — the only All Black sent off in a test for 70 years — only added to the mythology surrounding a player whose physical presence, commitment and longevity made him the template for everything New Zealand rugby aspired to produce.
Rugby union demands physical courage, technical excellence and the ability to execute complex tactical patterns under extreme competitive pressure. Career highlights included 55 All Blacks Tests, New Zealand Player of the Century. What consistently distinguished Colin was the ability to perform at the highest level over many seasons — competing with the very best while maintaining exceptional standards throughout a long career in rugby union. Few athletes in rugby union have combined consistency and peak performance as effectively, and across such an extended period, as Colin managed throughout his career. Colin Meads's achievements in rugby union were built on technical discipline, physical preparation and competitive commitment that allowed performance to be maintained at the very top across multiple seasons. The dedication required to perform consistently in rugby union at international level defined every aspect of Colin Meads's approach to the sport.
55 All Blacks Tests
Career Honours
- 55 All Blacks Tests
- New Zealand Player of the Century