A
qualified teacher, Bachelor of Physical Education, and former Manawatu Rugby Development
Officer, Nathan joined the Cornish Pirates crew in 2007. He had played for high
profile teams such as the Auckland Blues, fellow team members including world-class
performers Carlos Spencer and Doug Howlett, to name just two. and Manawatu.
A
natural leader, he skippered Ponsonby Premiers for three seasons, and also captained
Manawatu against the 2005 British Lions, the year he was voted 'Air NZ Player
of the Year'. Nick Buckley, another newcomer in 2007, also played in that same
Manawatu team.
Nathan
first played for his country at 16 Group level back in 1995, as a representative
of the St. Peter's College 1st. XV. A front-row partner in the New Zealand side
at the time the was present 'All Black' Carl Hayman.
In
1997 Nathan was captain of his college team, him touring Australia with New Zealand
Secondary Schools. Further honours followed on a year by year basis, including
playing for NZ U19s, NZ Maori Colts, and NZ Barbarians.
In
2003 he made the Auckland Blues Development team, then going one better in 2004
by playing for the Auckland Blues.
Always
keen to get involved in loose play, his ability to take the ball up at speed provides
a forceful presence, his style similar to that of former hooker Viliami Ma'asi.
Nathan
was a 'softball' schoolboy international, playing the game also at U19s level
for his country.
