George Bell (rugby union)

George Bell (born 29 January 2002) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and Canterbury in the Bunnings NPC.[1][2]

George Bell
Date of birth (2002-01-29) 29 January 2002 (age 22)
Place of birthNew Zealand
Height183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight107 kg (236 lb; 16 st 12 lb)
SchoolJohn McGlashan College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker
Current team Crusaders, Canterbury
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2022– Crusaders 15 (15)
2022– Canterbury 22 (25)
Correct as of 5 November 2024
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2022 New Zealand U20 3 (25)
2024– New Zealand 2 (5)
Correct as of 5 November 2024

Early life

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George grew up on his family farm, Shag Valley Station, in East Otago. George Bell first played for the Eastern Rugby Football Club in Waikouaiti.[3]

Having been an boarder in the John McGlashan College, Bell later joined the Lincoln University as he made it to the Crusaders academy.[3]

Club career

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While still yet to play provincial rugby,[4] George Bell made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders on the 7 May 2022. [5] He scored a try on debut during this 53-13 win against Western Force in Perth.[4][6]

International career

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George Bell is an under-20 international with New Zealand, having played 4 friendly games with the Baby blacks in 2021, against Wellington, Tasman, the Cook Islands and a Harlequins XV, as international junior competitions were halted by covid.[3]

On 20 July 2024 Bell made his All Blacks debut as a replacement in the test match against Fiji, scoring a try in the 77th minute.[7]

References

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  1. ^ "Player profile". itsrugby.co.uk. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Our 2022 NZ Academy Group". Crusaders Rugby. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Hepburn, Steve (13 May 2022). "Super debut effort from young hooker". The Oamaru Mail. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b Vinicombe, Tom (13 May 2022). "Record number of Under 20s conversions nearing for New Zealand Super sides". RugbyPass. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  5. ^ "George Bell set to debut for the Crusaders in Perth". Super Rugby. 4 May 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  6. ^ Reive, Christopher (7 May 2022). "Crusaders bag two hat-tricks in crushing win". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  7. ^ "PREVIEW: All Blacks v Fiji (San Diego)". allblacks.com. 19 July 2024.
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