Keven Filipo Mealamu was born on 20 March 1979 and is a former New Zealand rugby union footballer.
18 Facts About Keven Mealamu
2.
Keven Mealamu played at hooker for the Blues in Super Rugby, Auckland in the National Provincial Championship, and the New Zealand national team.
3.
Keven Mealamu was a key member of 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cup winning teams, becoming one of only 21 players who have won the Rugby World Cup on multiple occasions.
4.
The grandson of Samoan immigrants, Keven Mealamu was raised in Tokoroa where his father, a body building champion, worked at the local timber mill.
5.
Keven Mealamu is a former student of Aorere College, where his brother and former Manu Samoa player Luke Mealamu currently works as a social worker.
6.
Keven Mealamu made his provincial debut for Auckland in 1999 against North Harbour.
7.
Keven Mealamu made a fine contribution to the start of the All Blacks' 2006 Tri Nations campaign with two tries against the Wallabies during the first match.
8.
Keven Mealamu captained the Blues through their 2006 Super 14 campaign, but was forced to relinquish the captaincy in 2007 due to his commitments to the All Blacks.
9.
Keven Mealamu made his debut for the All Blacks on 23 November 2002, against Wales at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
10.
Keven Mealamu was made test captain in the test match against Scotland during the All Blacks 2008 Grand Slam tour, as regular captain Richie McCaw was a reserve for that match.
11.
Keven Mealamu was a part of New Zealand's 2011 Rugby World Cup winning squad.
12.
Keven Mealamu was known for his hard-tackling approach to the game.
13.
Keven Mealamu was one of six senior players who retired from International rugby after the competition.
14.
Keven Mealamu became an important part of the leadership team of the national side and led the haka for the All Blacks 31 times.
15.
Keven Mealamu led the Ka Mate version 23 times and the newer Kapa o Pango version 8 times.
16.
Keven Mealamu first led the team in September 2007 against Italy.
17.
Keven Mealamu was elected to the Papakura Local Board in 2019.
18.
Keven Mealamu is a skilled artist and has illustrated several books to raise money for the Starship Children's Hospital.