Alex P. Nankivell (born 25 October 1996) is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays as a centre for Irish club Munster in the United Rugby Championship.
 Nankivell representing the Chiefs during the 2020 Super Rugby season. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 25 October 1996 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Place of birth | Auckland, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 98 kg (15.4 st; 216 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Christchurch Boys' High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Career
editIn New Zealand
editNankivell made his debut for Tasman during the 2015 ITM Cup against Waikato in a 35–20 win for the Mako. He made his debut for the Chiefs during the 2017 Super Rugby season and was named in the Chiefs squad for the 2018 Super Rugby season.[1] Nankivell's impressive 2019 season caught the eye of the Māori All Blacks selectors and he made his mark on the international stage against Fiji. Nankivell was part of the Tasman side that won the Mitre 10 Cup for the first time in 2019. In round 5 of the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup Nankivell played his 50th game for the Mako against Bay of Plenty at Trafalgar Park in Nelson in a 33–7 win for the side. The Mako went on to win their second premiership title in a row.
Nankivell had a very strong season for the Chiefs in 2021, playing 12 games and scoring 2 tries as the side made the Super Rugby Aotearoa final. He was rewarded at the end of the Super Rugby season as he was named in the Māori All Blacks squad again. Tasman again made the 2021 Bunnings NPC final before losing 23–20 to Waikato. In round 8 of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, Nankivell played his 50th game for the Chiefs against the Blues.
Munster
editNankivell joined Irish United Rugby Championship club Munster on a two-year contract from the 2023–24 season.[2] He was named on the bench for Munster's opening game against Hollywoodbets Sharks. [3] He was named on the starting team for the next game against Benetton Treviso.
Personal life
editNankivell is a New Zealander of Māori descent (Ngāpuhi descent).[4]
References
edit- ^ "Chiefs confirm 2018 Super Rugby squad". Super XV. 31 October 2017. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
- ^ "Munster sign Māori All Blacks and Chiefs centre as Kilcoyne and Archer extend contracts". The42. 16 February 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
- ^ "Team Named | Munster Side for Sharks Season-Opener".
- ^ "Player Profile: Alex Nankivell". All Blacks (Official Site). Retrieved 17 March 2024.
External links
edit- Munster Profile
- Tasman Profile
- Chiefs Profile
- Māori All Blacks Profile
- Alex Nankivell at ItsRugby.co.uk
