Famous New Zealander Sportspersons

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 1 
Israel Adesanya
(New Zealand Mixed Martial Artist and Kickboxer)
Israel Adesanya
17
Birthdate: July 22, 1989
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria

Israel Adesanya is a Nigerian-born New Zealand kickboxer, mixed martial artist, and former boxer. Considered one of the best strikers in MMA, Adesanya has won multiple championships and is the current UFC Middleweight Champion. In 2019, Israel Adesanya was named New Zealand Sportsman of the Year at the Halberg Awards.

 2 
Bruce McLaren
(New Zealand Formula One Driver, Engineer & Inventor)
Bruce McLaren
6
Birthdate: August 30, 1937
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Died: June 2, 1970

Bruce McLaren was a New Zealand engineer, inventor, racing car designer, and driver. He is credited with founding McLaren Automotive in 1963. Formula One's successful team, McLaren, is named after him. McLaren has been inducted into various halls of fame, including the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

 3 
Richie McCaw
(New Zealand Professional Rugby Union Player)
Richie McCaw
5
Birthdate: December 31, 1980
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Oamaru, New Zealand

Richie McCaw is a New Zealand retired rugby union player who captained the national team in 110 test matches. One of the most successful captains of the All Blacks team, McCaw helped New Zealand win two Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015. In 2019, Richie McCaw was made an inductee of the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

 4 
Dan Carter
(Former New Zealand Rugby Union Player)
Dan Carter
4
Birthdate: March 5, 1982
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Leeston, New Zealand

Once considered the world’s best fly-half, New Zealand rugby star Dan Carter is best known for his stint with the Crusaders and the All Blacks. He was part of the Rugby World Cup-winning New Zealand squads of 2011 and 2015. He is also the all-time leading point scorer in international rugby.

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 5 
Kane Williamson
(New Zealand Cricketer and All Time Leading Runscorer for New Zealand in Test Cricket)
Kane Williamson
3
Birthdate: August 8, 1990
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Tauranga, New Zealand
New Zealand national cricket team captain Kane Williamson became the only New Zealander on ICC’s Test team of the decade and led his country to the finals of the 2019 Cricket World Cup. By 2020, he had been named the world’s top Test batsman, with a batting rating of 890. 
 6 
Martin Crowe
(One of the New Zealand’s Greatest Batsmen)
Martin Crowe
4
Birthdate: September 22, 1962
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Henderson, New Zealand
Died: March 3, 2016

Martin Crowe was a New Zealand cricket player who captained the national Test and ODI teams. Counted among the greatest batsmen New Zealand has ever produced, Crowe was the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in Test and One Day International cricket at the time of his retirement in 1995. Martin Crowe served as a commentator after retiring as a player.

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 7 
Valerie Adams
(Retired New Zealand Shot Putter and Two-Time Olympic Gold Medallist)
Valerie Adams
6
Birthdate: October 6, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Rotorua, New Zealand
Star shot-putter of New Zealand Valerie Adams boasts of two Olympic golds and four World Championship titles. IAAF’s 2014 World Athlete of the Year, she was one of 18 children born to an English father and a Tongan mother and first gained attention after breaking a 20-year school shot-put record.
 8 
Steven Adams
(New Zealand Professional Basketball Player Who Plays in the Center Position)
Steven Adams
8
Birthdate: July 20, 1993
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Rotorua, New Zealand

Steven Adams is a New Zealand basketball player who is currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA. Renowned for his humility and down to earth personality, Steven Adams is much loved and respected in the United States. 

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 9 
Sonny Bill Williams
(Former Professional Rugby League and Rugby Union Player)
Sonny Bill Williams
3
Birthdate: August 3, 1985
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand

Sonny Bill Williams is a New Zealand boxer. Interestingly, he played professional rugby union and rugby league before turning his attention towards boxing. A very successful sportsperson, Williams has won several Rugby World Cups. He also represented New Zealand as a rugby player at the 2016 Olympics.

 10 
Scott Dixon
(New Zealand Motorsports Racing Driver)
Scott Dixon
5
Birthdate: July 22, 1980
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Scott Dixon is a racing driver who competes in the IndyCar Series. He has won the IndyCar Championship on six occasions. He is also counted among the greatest drivers in the history of Indianapolis 500. Dixon has won the Bruce McLaren Trophy and the Jim Clark Trophy. In 2008 and 2013, he was named New Zealand’s Sportsman of the Year.

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 11 
Kieran Read
(New Zealand Former Rugby Union Player)
Kieran Read
3
Birthdate: October 26, 1985
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Papakura, New Zealand

Former captain of the New Zealand national rugby team, Kieran Read was not just named World Rugby Player of the Year once but was also part of the World Cup-winning New Zealand rugby squads of 2011 and 2015. He has been regarded as one of the world’s best forwards.

 12 
Lydia Ko
(World's youngest LPGA tour winner who took the Women's Open at Ienbee Park, Canada, at 15 years of age)
Lydia Ko
2
Birthdate: April 24, 1997
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 13 
Richard Hadlee
(One of the Greatest All-Rounders in Cricket History)
Richard Hadlee
5
Birthdate: July 3, 1951
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Saint Albans, Christchurch, New Zealand

Richard Hadlee is a New Zealand retired cricket player who is considered as one of the greatest all-rounders of all time; he is especially renowned for his ability as a fine fast bowler. In 2002, he was named the second-greatest Test bowler in cricket history by Wisden. In 2009, Hadlee was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

 14 
Brendon McCullum
(New Zealand's Former Cricketer and Head Coach)
Brendon McCullum
6
Birthdate: September 27, 1981
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand

Brendon McCullum is a New Zealand former cricket player who captained the national team in all formats of the game. Renowned for his ability to score runs quickly, McCullum is regarded as one of the most successful captains of the national cricket team. Brendon McCullum is currently associated with the England cricket test team where he is the head coach. 

 15 
Dakota Kai
(New Zealand Professional Wrestler)
Dakota Kai
17
Birthdate: May 6, 1988
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand

A popular wrester from New Zealand, Cheree Georgina Crowley, better known as Dakota Kai, has won the NXT Womens Tag Team Championship twice. Before joining WWE, she had wrestled in countries such as Japan, Australia, and the US, under the ring name Evie. She is also a popular streamer on Twitch.

 16 
Denny Hulme
(New Zealand Motorsports Racing Driver)
Denny Hulme
3
Birthdate: June 18, 1936
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Motueka, New Zealand
Died: October 4, 1992
 17 
Burt Munro
(New Zealand Motorcycle Racer Who Set an Under-1,000 CC World Record)
Burt Munro
4
Birthdate: March 25, 1899
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Invercargill, New Zealand
Died: January 6, 1978

New Zealand motorcyclist Burt Munro made three world records, traveling in his Indian motorcycle from New Zealand to the Bonneville Salt Flats in the U.S., and the one made in 1967 still remains unbroken. The 2005 film The World's Fastest Indian, based on his life, featured Anthony Hopkins as Munro.

 18 
Beauden Barrett
(New Zealand Rugby Union Player)
Beauden Barrett
3
Birthdate: May 27, 1991
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: New Plymouth, New Zealand

Known for his speed and game management, New Zealand rugby player Beauden Barrett is a 2-time World Rugby Player of the Year award winner. He caught the attention of national selectors at age 19, he later has a long stint with the Hurricanes. He is the highest try-scorer of any first-five in history.

 19 
Joseph Parker
(New Zealand Professional Boxer)
Joseph Parker
2
Birthdate: January 9, 1992
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: South Auckland, New Zealand
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 20 
David Tua
(Samoan-New Zealand Former Professional Boxer)
David Tua
3
Birthdate: November 21, 1972
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Faleatiu, Samoa

David Tua is a New Zealand retired professional boxer known for his devastating punching power. From 1996 to 2003, Tua was ranked among the top 10 heavyweights in the world by BoxRec. In 2003, The Ring magazine included him in its 100 greatest punchers of all time list. In 2020, Tua was inducted into the NZ Boxing Hall of Fame.    

 21 
Mark Hunt
(New Zealand Former Mixed Martial Artist and Kickboxer)
Mark Hunt
3
Birthdate: March 23, 1974
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: South Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand MMA fighter and kickboxer Mark Hunt won the 2001 K-1 World Grand Prix and also competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Known as the "King of Walk-Offs" due to his habit of walking away before the referee ends the match, Hunt inspired the documentary The Art of Fighting.
 22 
Jessica Watson
(Australian Sailor Who Attempted a Solo Global Circumnavigation at the Age of 16)
Jessica Watson
3
Birthdate: May 18, 1993
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Gold Coast, Australia

Order of Australia Medal-winning Jessica Watson made headlines with her solo attempt of circumnavigating the world, though it fell short of the official criteria. The Australian sailor and explorer had grown up in a cabin cruiser and double-decker bus. She has recounted her experience in a documentary and a book.

 23 
Trent Boult
(New Zealand International Cricketer)
Trent Boult
4
Birthdate: July 22, 1989
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Rotorua, New Zealand

One of the finest bowlers of the new ball, New Zealand cricketer Trent Boult first grabbed attention at 17, when he became the country’s fastest secondary school bowler. He became the first New Zealand bowler to score a hat-trick in the World Cup and has also had a flourishing career in the IPL.

 24 
Chris Amon
(New Zealand Motor Racing Driver)
Chris Amon
3
Birthdate: July 20, 1943
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Bulls, New Zealand Bulls, New Zealand
Died: August 3, 2016
 25 
Martin Guptill
(New Zealand International Cricketer Who Plays as an Opening Batsman)
Martin Guptill
5
Birthdate: September 30, 1986
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand

Martin Guptill is a New Zealand cricket player who plays for the national team. In 2015, Guptill became the first New Zealand batsman to score a double century in an ODI match. His 237 not out is the second highest ODI score after Rohit Sharma's 264. Martin Guptill's 237 remains the highest individual score in a World Cup match.

 26 
Jonah Lomu
(New Zealand Rugby Union Player)
Jonah Lomu
4
Birthdate: May 12, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Died: November 18, 2015

Jonah Lomu was a New Zealand rugby player whose dominance on the field had a huge impact on the game. Considered the first global superstar of rugby, Jonah Lomu proved to be a crowd-puller. In 2007, he was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. In 2011, he was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame.

 27 
Brad Thorn
(New Zealand Australian Rugby Union Coach and Former Rugby League and Rugby Union Footballer)
Brad Thorn
3
Birthdate: February 3, 1975
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Bannockburn, Otago, New Zealand
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 28 
Sam Whitelock
(New Zealand Rugby Union Player Who Plays as a Lock)
Sam Whitelock
3
Birthdate: October 12, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Palmerston North, New Zealand

New Zealand rugby player Sam Whitelock is one of the 4 Whitelock brothers who have played high-level rugby. He was part of the World Cup-winning New Zealand squads in 2011 and 2015. He also owns a farm and has been an ambassador for Farmstrong, an initiative that helps farmers.

 29 
Kalyn Ponga
(Australian Professional Rugby League Footballer Who Plays as a Fullback)
Kalyn Ponga
3
Birthdate: March 30, 1998
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Port Hedland, Australia

Kalyn Ponga is a rugby league footballer who represents the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League (NRL). A multi-skilled sportsperson, Kalyn Ponga played several sports, including soccer, hockey, touch football, golf, and rugby union before becoming a professional rugby league footballer. He even won the under-13 national golf championship in 2010, representing New Zealand.

 30 
Warren Gatland
(Rugby union player, Rugby union coach)
Warren Gatland
4
Birthdate: September 17, 1963
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Hamilton

Warren Gatland is a rugby union coach and retired player. Widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in the international rugby union scene, Gatland helped Wales win four Six Nations titles between 2007 and 2019. In 2013, Warren Gatland won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach Award.

 31 
Daniel Vettori
(New Zealand Cricket Coach and Former Cricketer Who Bowled Slow Left-Arm Orthodox Spin)
Daniel Vettori
4
Birthdate: January 27, 1979
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand

Daniel Vettori is a New Zealand retired cricket player who captained the national team between 2007 and 2011. A left-arm slow bowler, Vettori relied on his accuracy, guile, and speed variation to outsmart the opposition batsmen. A prolific wicket-taker, Daniel Vettori took 362 wickets in Test matches and 305 wickets in ODIs.

 32 
Tim Southee
(New Zealand International Cricketer)
Tim Southee
4
Birthdate: December 11, 1988
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Whangārei, Northland, New Zealand
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 33 
Gemma Flynn
(New Zealand Field Hockey Player)
Gemma Flynn
10
Birthdate: May 2, 1990
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Tauranga, New Zealand
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 34 
Ajaz Patel
(New Zealand Cricketer)
Ajaz Patel
1
Birthdate: October 21, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 35 
Sean Fitzpatrick
(Former New Zealand Rugby Union Player)
Sean Fitzpatrick
2
Birthdate: June 4, 1963
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 36 
Michael Jones
(New Zealand Former Rugby Union Player and Coach)
Michael Jones
2
Birthdate: April 8, 1965
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 37 
Keven Mealamu
(Former New Zealand Rugby Union Footballer Who Played as a Hooker)
Keven Mealamu
2
Birthdate: March 20, 1979
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Tokoroa, New Zealand
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 38 
Conrad Smith
(New Zealand Rugby Union Coach and Former Rugby Union Player)
Conrad Smith
2
Birthdate: October 12, 1981
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Hāwera, New Zealand
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 39 
Sophie Devine
(New Zealand All-Rounder Cricketer)
Sophie Devine
2
Birthdate: September 1, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Porirua, New Zealand
 40 
Sarpreet Singh
(New Zealand Professional Footballer Who Plays as an Attacking Midfielder)
Sarpreet Singh
1
Birthdate: February 20, 1999
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 41 
Julian Savea
(New Zealand Rugby Union Player)
Julian Savea
4
Birthdate: August 7, 1990
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand

Julian Savea is a New Zealand professional rugby player who played a major role in his national team's triumph at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. With eight tries under his belt, Savea was the highest try-scorer of the World Cup. Julian Savea is also one of New Zealand's highest try-scorers of all time.

 42 
Stephen Donald
(New Zealand Rugby Union Player)
Stephen Donald
2
Birthdate: December 3, 1983
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Papakura, New Zealand

A talented fly-half, Stephen Donald, or Beaver, as he is known by his fans, soared to fame after scoring the winning penalty at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He has played for teams such as Waikato, Chiefs, and Bath, too. He has also appeared on the singing reality show The Masked Singer NZ.

 43 
Owen Franks
(New Zealand Rugby Player Who Plays as a Prop)
Owen Franks
2
Birthdate: December 23, 1987
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Motueka, New Zealand
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 44 
Ross Taylor
(New Zealand Former International Cricketer)
Ross Taylor
4
Birthdate: March 8, 1984
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand

Ross Taylor is a New Zealand former cricket player who captained the national team in all formats of the game. With 40 international centuries under his belt, Taylor is considered one of the most successful New Zealand batsmen of all time. Taylor was the leading run-getter for his national Test and ODI teams when he announced his retirement in 2021.

 45 
Ma'a Nonu
(New Zealand Professional Rugby Union Player)
Ma'a Nonu
0
Birthdate: May 21, 1982
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Wellington, New Zealand
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 46 
Andrew Mehrtens
(New Zealand Former Rugby Union Player)
Andrew Mehrtens
2
Birthdate: April 28, 1973
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Durban, South Africa

One of the greatest rugby players from New Zealand, Andrew Mehrtens has gained over 967 Test points for the national team, All Blacks. He was part of his country’s 1999 Rugby World Cup squad and was later associated with the English club Harlequins and the Paris-based Racing Metro 92.

 47 
Carlos Ulberg
(New Zealand Mixed Martial Artist)
Carlos Ulberg
1
Birthdate: November 17, 1990
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Auckland, New Zealand
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 48 
Chris Cairns
(New Zealand Former Cricketer)
Chris Cairns
3
Birthdate: June 13, 1970
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Picton
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 49 
Israel Dagg
(Former New Zealand Rugby Union Player Who Played as a Fullback, Wing)
Israel Dagg
3
Birthdate: June 6, 1988
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Marton, New Zealand
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 50 
Stephen Fleming
(One of the Greatest Batsmen for the New Zealand National Cricket Team)
Stephen Fleming
3
Birthdate: April 1, 1973
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Christchurch, New Zealand

Arguably the most successful captain of the New Zealand cricket team, Stephen Fleming has also been one of the country’s best batsmen. He also became the first from his country to appear in over 100 Test matches. He later turned to coaching and also contributed to setting up the digital sports platform CricHQ.