Zane Kirchner (born 16 June 1984) is a retired South African professional rugby union player. Previously he played at fullback for the Bulls in Super Rugby and the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup. Born in George, Western Cape, Kirchner attended PW Botha College in his home town, for whom he played at fly-half; he was first selected at fullback for the 2002 Craven Week.[2] He began his provincial rugby career with the Griquas, and made more than 50 appearances for the side between his Currie Cup debut in 2003 and his move to the Blue Bulls in 2007.[2] In five years with the Blue Bulls, Kirchner has made 64 Currie Cup appearances and scored 64 points. He made his debut for the Bulls (Super Rugby) franchise in 2008, and since then he has made a total of 81 appearances and scored 105 points. He won the Currie Cup in 2009 and the Super Rugby title in 2009 and 2010.

Zane Kirchner
Birth nameZane Kirchner
Date of birth (1984-06-16) 16 June 1984 (age 40)
Place of birthGeorge, Western Cape, South Africa
Height1.84 m (6 ft 12 in)
Weight92 kg (203 lb; 14 st 7 lb)[1]
SchoolP. W. Botha College, George
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback
Centre
Wing
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2003–2007 Griquas 58 (175)
2008–2012 Blue Bulls 43 (34)
2013–2017 Leinster 87 (65)
2017–2019 Dragons 27 (24)
2018 Bristol Bears 3 (0)
Correct as of 28 May 2018
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2008–2013 Bulls 82 (105)
Correct as of 28 July 2013
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2009 Emerging Springboks 1 (0)
2009–2015 South Africa 31 (25)
Correct as of 19 September 2015
Medal record
Men's Rugby union
Representing  South Africa
Rugby World Cup
Bronze medal – third place 2015 England Squad

In April 2013, it was announced that Kirchner would be leaving the Bulls to join Irish team Leinster on a two-year deal.[3]

On 31 May 2014, Kirchner scored two tries as Leinster won the Pro-12 final to take the 2013–14 title.[4]

On 7 March 2017, Kirchner signed for Welsh region and Pro12 rivals the Dragons ahead of the 2017–18 season.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "SA Rugby Player Profile – Zane Kirchner". South African Rugby Union. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Kirchner signs for Bulls". SARugby.com. Fat Pig Productions. 8 October 2007. Retrieved 4 July 2009.
  3. ^ "Zane Kirchner to leave Bulls". Sport24. 22 April 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  4. ^ "Leinster refusing to let their era end". Irish Independent. 1 June 2014. Retrieved 4 June 2014.
  5. ^ "Dragons sign Springboks utility back Zane Kirchner from Leinster". BBC Sport. 7 March 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2017.
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