Andy Slater (rugby union)

Andrew William Slater (born 21 November 1969) is a New Zealand former rugby union player.

Andy Slater
Full nameAndrew William Slater
Date of birth (1969-11-21) 21 November 1969 (age 55)
Place of birthNew Plymouth, New Zealand
Height191 cm (6 ft 3 in)
Weight105 kg (231 lb)
SchoolNew Plymouth Boys' High School
Notable relative(s)Gordon Slater (brother)
Bradley Slater (son)
Occupation(s)Dairy farmer
Rugby union career
Position(s) Back-row / Lock
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1989–01 Taranaki 180 (138)
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2001 Hurricanes 1 (0)

Biography

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Slater was educated at New Plymouth Boys' High School and is dairy farmer by profession.[1]

A forward, Slater often played in the back-row early in his career, but was later solely a lock. He spent his entire provincial career with Taranaki, where he debuted in 1989 as a 19-year-old. In 1996, Slater captained the Taranaki side which claimed the Ranfurly Shield off Auckland. He was NPC 1st Division Player of the Year in 2000 and the following season made a belated debut for the Hurricanes as a substitute against the Blues at Eden Park. Forced to retire in 2002 due to a heart condition, Slater ended with 180 provincial appearances, bettered by only Ian Eliason amongst Taranaki forwards.[2]

Slater is the elder brother of All Black Gordon Slater and father of Chiefs player Bradley Slater.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Rugby: Slater true example of spirit in provinces". NZ Herald. 14 October 2000.
  2. ^ "Slater retires from representative rugby". NZ Herald. 26 June 2002.
  3. ^ "Taranaki's next generation of rugby talent follow in fathers' footsteps". Stuff.co.nz. 20 September 2020.