Kane Hames

A strong tighthead prop with an ability to pounce on any loose ball that comes his way, Kane Hames joined the All Blacks in 2016 as injury cover for Joe Moody and made his debut in the first Test of the Investec Rugby Championship.

Hames, a former Highlander who joined the Chiefs for the 2016 Investec Super Rugby season and played nine times for them in the back half of the season, caught the eye of the All Blacks selectors with his power and physicality as the Chiefs made the semifinals. He was a Maori All Black in 2013 on the tour of North America (he played against both USA and Canada) and is connected to both the Ngai Tuhoe and Ngati Porou iwi.

Based in the Bay of Plenty for a long time and with 12 caps for their senior team to his credit, Hames shifted south to play for Tasman in 2015. He played four matches for the Makos in his first season with the team.

Hames has also been a registered rugby referee in both Tasman and Bay of Plenty and worked as a Rugby Development Officer with the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union. He has also built up coaching experience with school and junior sides.