Karne L. Hesketh (born 1 August 1985) is a player for the Japan rugby union team.

Karne Hesketh
Date of birth (1985-08-01) 1 August 1985 (age 39)
Place of birthNapier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight98 kg (15 st 6 lb; 216 lb)
SchoolNapier Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing, Centre
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010–2022 Munakata Sanix Blues 85 (175)
2023– Leriro Fukuoka ()
Correct as of 21 February 2021
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2006–2009 Otago 33 (70)
Correct as of 21 February 2021
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2014–2016 Japan 16 (35)
Correct as of 21 February 2021

Early life

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Hesketh was born in Napier, New Zealand, where he attended Napier Boys High School.[1]

Professional career

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Hesketh is a professional rugby union player who plays wing for Fukuoka Sanix Blues since 2010. Since 2014, he also plays internationally for Japan.[2]

In what is regarded as one of the greatest upsets ever in Rugby World Cup history, and possibly one of the most famous victories in the history of sport, Hesketh with 84 minutes on the clock and with the last play of the game scored the winning try for Japan against South Africa in a 34–32 victory in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.[3][4]

Afterward, he spoke of his immense pride at this victory of the Japanese national rugby team and celebrated with his teammates.

Personal life

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His partner, Carla Hohepa, is a female New Zealand rugby union player who plays as a wing for New Zealand, Otago Spirit and Alhambra Union.[5][6]

References

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  1. ^ Hepburn, Steve (16 February 2010). "Hesketh takes wing for Japan". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  2. ^ "Player statistics Hesketh Karne". Retrieved 15 January 2012.
  3. ^ "Japan beat South Africa 34-32 in World Cup sensation". Yahoo Sports. Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 9 January 2017.
  4. ^ bbc.com/sport Rugby World Cup 2015: South Africa 32-34 Japan Rob Stevens, 19 September 2015
  5. ^ "Ex-Students and NZ Black Ferns: Carla Hohepa and Kelly Brazier". Otago Polytechnic. Retrieved 15 January 2012.[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ Steve Hepburn (7 September 2010). "Rugby: Otago pair star in World Cup win". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 15 January 2012.