Michael Hobbs (rugby union)
| Full name | Michael Joseph Deans Hobbs | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 18 October 1987 | ||
| Place of birth | Wellington, New Zealand | ||
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 1 1⁄2 in) | ||
| Weight | 92 kg (203 lb) | ||
| School | Wellington College | ||
| University | Victoria University of Wellington University of Texas at Austin | ||
| Notable relative(s) | Jock Hobbs (father) Robbie Deans (uncle) Bruce Deans (uncle) Bob Deans (great-great-uncle) | ||
| Rugby union career | |||
| Playing career | |||
| Position | First five-eighth Inside centre | ||
| Professional / senior clubs | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2007 2013 2014− |
Melbourne Rebels Panasonic Wild Knights NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes |
8 7 1 |
(0) (5) (0) |
| correct as of 19 January 2015. | |||
| Provincial/State sides | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2008, 2011 2012 |
Wellington North Harbour |
18 4 |
(23) (2) |
| correct as of 13 October 2012. | |||
| Super Rugby | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 2009 2010 2012 |
Blues Highlanders Blues |
10 7 14 |
(7) (31) (25) |
| correct as of 25 July 2012. | |||
Michael Joseph Deans Hobbs (born 18 October 1987 in Wellington, New Zealand) is a professional rugby union player. He currently plays for the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes in the Japan Top League. Hobbs previously played for the Blues and Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition. He also played for the Wellington Lions in the Air New Zealand Cup. His playing positions are First Five-Eighth and Inside Centre. He is the son of former All Black Captain and NZ Rugby chairman Jock Hobbs and the nephew of former All Black fullback and Australian rugby union coach Robbie Deans.[1]
Hobbs represented both New Zealand Schools and New Zealand Under 19s before moving to Brisbane, Australia to undertake study at the University of Queensland. He debuted for the Lions in the 2008 season after spending the two previous years contracted to the Queensland Reds Rugby Academy. He also had a stint with the Melbourne Rebels in the inaugural Australian Rugby Championship season.[2] He went on to be drafted by the Blues for the 2009 Super 14 season.
During the 2010 season, Hobbs fractured a vertebrae in his back.[3] In August 2010, he underwent spine surgery in Los Angeles.[4] He studied at the University of Texas at Austin on exchange while he completed his rehab.[5]
In 2011 Hobbs re-signed with the Blues and NZRU for the 2012 Super Rugby season.[5][6] During the 2012 season, Hobbs's father Jock died after a long battle with leukaemia. The 2012 ITM cup also saw Hobbs move north from Wellington to North Harbour. He played the first 3 matches before limping out of the Counties match early with ankle damage. Hobbs returned to the side for their final game against Tasman. At the end of the season he was granted an early release from his NZRU contract to take some time away from rugby.
In March 2013, Hobbs signed a 1-year deal with the Panasonic Wild Knights in the Japan Top League. At the completion of his contract with Panasonic, Hobbs signed with the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes to remain in Japan for another two seasons.
References
- ↑ "Nearly 1000 bid final farewell to Jock Hobbs". Stuff.co.nz. 19 March 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
- ↑ Melbourne Rebels photo
- ↑ "Hobbs faces yet another comeback – 3 Sport – Video". 3 News. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ↑ Robson, Toby (20 September 2010). "Hobbs faces an ordeal he won't back away from". Stuff. New Zealand. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- 1 2 "Hobbs eager to grab opportunities with Blues". Stuff.co.nz. 1 February 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
- ↑ "Blues announce squad for 2012". Stuff.co.nz. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2012.