Joe Wheeler (rugby union)

Joseph Thomas Wheeler (born 20 October 1987) is a New Zealand rugby union player. He plays as a Lock or Flanker for Suntory Sungoliath in the Japanese Top League.[1] Of Ngāi Tahu descent, Wheeler was selected in the New Zealand Māori All Blacks and represented them on the November 2013 tour of North America.[2]

Joe Wheeler
Birth nameJoseph Thomas Wheeler
Date of birth (1987-10-20) 20 October 1987
Place of birthChristchurch, New Zealand
Height2.00 m (6 ft 6 1⁄2 in)
Weight111 kg (17 st 7 lb; 245 lb)
SchoolMarlborough Boys' College
Notable relative(s)Ben Wheeler (brother)
Ray Dowker (grandfather)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock, Flanker
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2016−2019 Suntory Sungoliath 39 (0)
Correct as of 19 August 2020
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2008–2015 Tasman 80 (40)
Correct as of 19 August 2020
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010–2012
2013–2017		 Crusaders
Highlanders		 4
63		 (0)
(5)
Correct as of 19 August 2020
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013, 2017 Māori All Blacks 3 (0)
Correct as of 19 August 2020

Career

A product of the Marlborough Boys' College 1st XV, Wheeler made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders against the Sharks in 2010.[3] He joined the Highlanders for the 2013 Super Rugby season on a two-year deal.[4]

Personal life

Wheeler comes from a successful sporting family: his brother Ben Wheeler[5] is a cricketer who plays for Central Districts; and his grandfather Ray Dowker[6] was a multi-talented athlete who represented Canterbury in cricket, football and many other codes.

In 2015, Wheeler became engaged to be married to Courtney MacKay, one of the contestants from season 5 of The Block NZ.[7]

References
  1. "Wheeler joins Highlanders". New Zealand Herald. 5 September 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  2. Robson, Tony (22 October 2013). "Maori All Blacks squad named". Waikato Times. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  3. "Super Rugby Profile: Highlanders – Joe Wheeler". Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  4. "Highlanders in Tasman coup". rugby365.com. 5 September 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  5. "CD Cricket - Ben Wheeler". Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  6. "Blackcaps Archive - Ray Dowker". Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  7. "The Block NZ: Meet Courtney MacKay's biggest fan". Woman's Day. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
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