Keith Lowen

Solidly built at 1.80m and 102 kg (his nickname was �Sumo�) Keith Lowen made just one appearance for the All Blacks, in 2002 against England, but had a successful career for Waikato from 1998 to 2005.

Born in Huntly Keith Lowen played soccer, rugby and league at Huntly College, then won a scholarship to St Peters School in Cambridge where he then concentrated on rugby. His early Waikato selections were for the Under 16s, Secondary Schools and Under 19s. His first class debut though was for Bay of Plenty in 1996, twice as a replacement and starting at fullback in two matches. In Waikato and playing for the Hautapu club he appeared nine times for the Union in 1998, variously at second five eight, centre and wing. His form had been good enough for him to be called into the Blues for five matches in 1999 and he maintained that form for Waikato later in the season, with the Rugby Almanack noting him as the most improved back with �a physical presence that helped him finish the season as top try scorer.

Lowen made a few appearances for the Chiefs in 2000, came on as a replacement for the New Zealand Vikings against Scotland and was established as the Waikato centre. A strong season in 2001 saw him called into the All Black training squad and to Sydney as standby for the All Blacks, though he was not required for the starting fifteen or reserves bench.

Used at centre by the Chiefs Lowen played most of the 2002 NPC at 2nd five eight after an injury to Mark Ranby and adjusted so well to the position and the game plan laid down by Waikato coach Ian Foster that he was chosen for the All Blacks� three match (all tests) end of season tour. He started the first test, against England, in what he saw as a dream position �Carlos (Spencer) inside you, Tana (Umaga) outside you, what more could a second five ask for?� Though beaten 31-28 an inexperienced All Black team performed very creditably but Lowen was injured after 46 minutes and did not play again on tour. His excellent NPC form was rewarded with selection at the Rugby Awards as NPC Division One Player of the Year.

Lowen was not called on at national level again, but did appear for the New Zealand Barbarians against England in 2003. He was a regular starter for both Waikato and the Chiefs in 2003-04 but in 2005, hindered by injury, appeared less often. At the end of the season he signed a one year contract for 2006 with new South African Super 14 franchise the Central Cheetahs. He had made 83 appearances for Waikato and 55 for the Chiefs and was involved in Waikato�s Ranfurly Shield defences in 1998-99, scoring four tries against West Coast at Greymouth.