New Zealander · Helensville, New Zealand · Born 30 January 1981Tony Woodcock was a stalwart All Blacks loosehead prop who famously scored the only try of the 2011 Rugby World Cup final.
Tony Dale Woodcock MNZM was born on 27 January 1981 in Helensville, New Zealand, and grew up on a farm in the Makarau Valley, where his father, Dale, a summer cricketer who spent winters playing for the Kaukapakapa Cowboys, instilled in him the physical work ethic that would define his playing career. Woodcock began playing for the Helensville Rugby Club at seven and attended Kaipara College. Woodcock made his provincial debut for North Harbour in 2000, playing every minute of the 2002 season without substitution, and earned selection for the Blues before making his All Blacks debut against Wales in November 2002. He developed into one of the most durable and technically excellent loosehead props of his generation, renowned for a range of skills unusually broad for his position. Woodcock became the first All Blacks prop to reach 100 Test caps and the first international prop to record 100 Test wins, and scored the only try in the 2011 World Cup final against France, delivering a hugely significant contribution to New Zealand's home tournament triumph. He was part of the victorious 2015 World Cup squad as well, though a hamstring injury ended his involvement and his career during that tournament. Woodcock retired with 118 Test caps for New Zealand, and returned to farming at Kaukapakapa after his playing days, a fitting conclusion for a player whose rugby foundation was built on the physical demands of rural life.
All Blacks prop, scored the only try in the 2011 World Cup final
How They Played
Woodcock was renowned for his exceptional mobility around the field, possessing pace and agility that was remarkable for a front-row forward. He had excellent ball-handling skills and was comfortable running with the ball in hand, often appearing in the backline during attacking moves. His scrummaging technique was solid and he was an accurate lineout thrower when required.
Lasting Impact
Woodcock redefined expectations for modern props with his athletic approach and all-around skills, influencing how the position evolved in professional rugby.
Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup winner 2007 & 2011
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Blues | 1996–2006 | 149 |
| Leicester Tigers | 2006–2010 | 87 |
 New Zealand | — | 118 |
New Zealander Athletes