James Broadhurst

James Broadhurst is a hard-working lock who supports his team with power in the engine room and an impressive ability to win the ball off his opposing numbers.

Born in Kaitaia, in New Zealand’s Far North, Broadhurst attended Sacred Heart College in Auckland before shifting to Gisborne’s Campion College (2003-05). After leaving school, he had five seasons in Christchurch – where he made his provincial debut for Canterbury – before shifting to Taranaki, where he signed up with the Clifton Rugby and Sports Club.

Broadhurst first pulled on a black jersey as a New Zealand Under 19 representative, in the team that made the Final of the 2006 Under 19 World Championship and was captained by his future Hurricanes teammate Victor Vito. Broadhurst was then selected for the 2007 New Zealand Under 21 side that included a number of future All Blacks. Later that year he made his debut for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup.

He was a solid provincial player and in 2009 formed a potent locking partnership with Sam Whitelock that saw him play 11 matches as Canterbury claimed the title. In 2010, Broadhurst was named by Colin Cooper in the Hurricanes squad and shifted north to Taranaki. He played just twice for the Hurricanes and later that year struggled to secure a starting spot in the ITM Cup team, as he was in competition with Captain Craig Clarke and former All Black Jason Eaton, with those two the preferred starters. However, he persevered and in 2014, Broadhurst featured in 15 of the ‘Canes matches – most of which were alongside All Blacks lock Jeremy Thrush – and played in his 50th Super Rugby match.

Broadhurst was then a vital part of the Taranaki team that secured the ITM Cup Premiership title in 2014. He started all 12 matches in the season and had what was described by many pundits as his best season ever. That form carried over into the 2015 Investec Super Rugby season, where he impressed with his athleticism, consistency and technical ability. In April 2015 he announced that he had re-signed with the Hurricanes through to 2017.