Christian Cullen
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| Player information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Christian Mathias Cullen | |
| birthday | February 12, 1976 | |
| place of birth | Paraparaumu , New Zealand | |
| Nickname | Paekakariki Express | |
| society | ||
| society | Career ended | |
| position | Goalkeeper | |
| Clubs as active | ||
| Years | society | Games (points) |
| 1995-1996 | Manawatu | ? |
| 1997 | Central Vikings | ? |
| 1998-2003 | Wellington | ? |
| 1996-2003 | Hurricanes (Super 12) | 85 |
| 2003-2007 | Munster rugby | 41 (75) |
| National team | ||
| Years | National team | Games (points) |
| 1996-2003 | New Zealand | 58 (236) |
|
As of April 25, 2008 |
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Christian Mathias Cullen (born February 12, 1976 in Paraparaumu , New Zealand ) is a former New Zealand rugby union player . He is considered the best running player of his generation.
Career
At the 1996 Hong Kong Sevens 7-a-side rugby tournament, the young Christian Cullen made a record 18 attempts , including seven in one game; in the same year he made his breakthrough in rugby fifteen in the first Super 12 season, where he played for the Wellington Hurricanes . He put most of the team's attempts that season and was called up to the national team, although many critics considered him too young. With his unpredictable running strength and speed he justified his calling and because of his attractive style of play he was very popular with the spectators.
The rugby world championship in 1999 ended unsuccessfully for the All Blacks with fourth place and Christian Cullen he had to play in the unfamiliar position of the second inner three-quarter before he returned to his original final position after leaving.
Long-term knee problems made an operation necessary in 2002. Towards the end of the season, Cullen returned to the field, but no longer showed the same performances as in his heyday as he had lost pace. He continued to play for the national team until 2003, but was not called into the squad for the 2003 World Cup in Australia despite the rising form curve . The final of the NPC (National Provincial Championship) in the same year was his last game for Wellington and although the opponent Auckland won the game, he was celebrated by the entire audience.
After that game he moved to Ireland to play for the Munster rugby team. A shoulder injury cost him almost the entire first season. Further injuries to his Achilles tendon , calf and ankle prevented him from playing for long periods of time, but despite offers from New Zealand and France, Cullen extended his contract for a year in July 2006. In April 2007 he played his last game for Munster and moved back to New Zealand after retiring.
Records
Christian Cullen still holds the record for most attempts in the Tri-Nations tournament (16). He was also the first player to try every Tri-Nations game in one season, in 2000. During his time in New Zealand, he put 150 tries in the NPC and Super 12, where he still has 56 tries holds second place behind Joe Roff.
biography
In October 2003 appeared the biography Christian Cullen: Life on the Run by John Matheson; Cullen's criticism of the then national coach John Mitchell sparked greater media coverage.
Single receipts
- ↑ Scrum.com: Cullen to stay at Munster , July 26, 2006 (English)
- ↑ BBC: Cullen decides to end his career
See also
Web links
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Cullen, Christian |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Cullen, Christian Mathias |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | New Zealand rugby player |
| DATE OF BIRTH | February 12, 1976 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Paraparaumu , New Zealand |