Victoria Grant (née Blackledge; b. 26 August 1982) is a New Zealand rugby union coach and former player. She played for New Zealand internationally and for Auckland at provincial level. She was recently appointed as Head Coach of Hurricanes Poua.

Victoria Grant
Birth nameVictoria Blackledge
Date of birth (1982-08-26) 26 August 1982 (age 42)
Height1.67 m (5 ft 5+12 in)
Weight65 kg (143 lb; 10 st 3 lb)
Occupation(s)Physiotherapist
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing, fullback
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2006-present Auckland ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2006–2013 New Zealand 18 (30)
National sevens team
Years Team Comps
2009  New Zealand
Coaching career
Years Team
2023– Hurricanes Poua
Medal record
Representing  New Zealand
Women's rugby union
Rugby World Cup
Gold medal – first place 2006 Canada Team competition
Gold medal – first place 2010 England Team competition
Rugby World Cup Sevens
Silver medal – second place 2009 Dubai Team competition

Biography

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Grant has a bachelor's degree in Health Science majoring in Physiotherapy and a post-graduate diploma in Sports Medicine.[1] She was named Women's player of the year.[2]

Grant was a member of the Black Ferns champion 2006 Rugby World Cup squad.[3][4] She made her test debut at the tournament on 4 September 2006 against Samoa at Edmonton. She was also part of the 2010 Rugby World Cup winning squad.

In September 2022, Grant was appointed as the new Head Coach of Hurricanes Poua for the 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki season.[5][6][7] She will be absent for the 2024 Super Rugby Aupiki season as she will be having her second child, she will return as head coach in 2025.[8]

References

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  1. ^ lifestylephysio.co.nz (2013). "Lifestyle Physiotherapy - Clinic staff". Retrieved 6 July 2014.
  2. ^ "NZ Rugby Awards: Hooker Hore wins top prize". NZ Herald. 4 December 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  3. ^ "World Cup Windback: 2006 Black Ferns". allblacks.com. 5 April 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Black Ferns World Cup squad named". NZ Herald. 26 July 2006. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  5. ^ "Grant to Lead Hurricanes Poua in 2023 Super Rugby Aupiki". Hurricanes. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  6. ^ Powell, Alex (28 September 2022). "Super Rugby Aupiki: First female coaches appointed for expanded 2023 competition". Newshub. Retrieved 16 October 2022.
  7. ^ "Super Rugby Aupiki returns for 2023 with two new coaches". NZ Sports Wire. 27 September 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  8. ^ Lester, Ned (10 November 2023). "Super Rugby Aupiki coaches confirmed for 2024 season". www.rugbypass.com. Retrieved 17 December 2023.
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