Written by Here from some of New Zealand’s sports stars and how wrestling benefited their sports careers
Rugby Legends
Mark “Bull“ Allen All Black 1993-1997
“I wrestled as a teenager and although I wasn’t the best wrestler around it helped me incredibly with my rugby and I would go as far as saying that the influence of wrestling in my life helped my strength, fitness and gave me confidence in contact situations which are so vital in rugby. I don’t think I would have done as well in rugby if it wasn’t for my wrestling experience”.
Mark Weedon Super 12 for the Crusaders and Chiefs, NZ U19, 21 and New Zealand ‘A’
“My interest in wrestling began in my school days, I was drawn to the sport not just because my friends were involved but also the general overall fitness and strength that was required to participate. I was luckily enough to attend many national tournaments but to also represent New Zealand in a cultural exchange trip to USA/Canada/Hawaii.
My success (in rugby) was in part to the training, strength, fitness, skill and discipline that I had acquired in my years wrestling.
My rugby career included playing provincial rugby for Bay of Plenty and North Harbour, Super 12 for the Crusaders and Chiefs, NZ U19, 21 and New Zealand ‘A’ and for one of England’s leading clubs, London Wasps.
Wrestling was a catalyst for my future sporting achievements in rugby and I would encourage any kids or parents to take up the sport”.
