get off me, you fly…

John Kirwan was one of those rare players who could say that he achieved everything he wanted to and more as far as the game of rugby goes. Kirwan, who played at wing, had a glorious All Blacks career, playing 96 times, spanning from 1984 – 1994 and saw him earn 63 international caps for his country.

Kirwan set the world stage alight at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 with “that run” against Italy, instantly becoming a superstar, able to dazzle the crowds with his graceful running skills, and ultimately becoming the hero of the 1987 tournament, finishing as the top try scorer, with 6 tries in the competition. He was undoubtedly the most exciting player in an All Blacks team that was eventually crowned champions of the competition. He played with a hamstring injury in the final against France, shutting out the pain, and managing to score a try.

He played a major role in theAll Blacks’ 23 test unbeaten run from 1987 – 1990, scoring 10 tries in five tests against Wales and Austalia during 1988. In all he scored 35 tries fo the All Blacks.

Kirwan describes that try against Italy, bringing up the 50 for NZ:

“A gap opened up and I managed to beat three or four guys to end up eighty metres down the pitch to score”

I remember watching a TV interview with Kirwan where he described how he would sprint through a grove of trees to force himself to sidestep trees, and how after a few collisions he quickly improved his footwork. He also used to hold his breath whilst sprinting, and would be seeing stars after 80m or so.

Kirwan then turned to rugby league for two seasons in the Australian Rugby League Premiership for the Auckland Warriors before finishing his playing career with the NEC club in Japan. He is the current head coach of the Japan national team.

Some Stats/Facts about Kirwan:

• Full Name: John James Patrick Kirwan
• Date of Birth: 16 December 1964
• Place of Birth: Auckland, New Zealand
• Height: 1.91 m
• Weight: 97 kg
• Nickname: JK
• Kirwan scored 67 tries in all matches for the New Zealand All Blacks which is the current record.
• His 199 first class tries is also a record for New Zealand first class rugby.
• He speaks fluent Italian and is married to an Italian with three children.
• He speaks fluent Japanese so that he can coach his Japanese team efficiently.