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Craig
Dowd
Dowd
An Auckland Rugby, Blues, and All Blacks stalwart, learn all about Craig Dowd's career right here on RugbyPass
Craig Dowd Bio
Craig Dowd is a former New Zealand international who also enjoyed stints with Wasps, Auckland and the Blues. A giant of a prop, he won many of the top titles available to him, including the Premiership and Super Rugby.
Born 26 October 1969, Craig Dowd started his rugby career with Auckland in 1991. He then continued to represent the province for a decade, making 83 appearances for the side between 1991 and 2001.
Thanks to his excellent performances for Auckland through the years, Craig Dowd began to play for the Blues when Super Rugby was formed in 1996. He also holds the distinction of being Blues player 001.
Like at Auckland, Craig Dowd’s time with the Blues was hugely successful. He won back-to-back Super Rugby titles with the side in 1996 and 1997, and made more than 60 appearances in the competition between 1996 and 2001.
When his time with the Blues came to a conclusion in 2001, Craig Dowd left New Zealand and signed for Wasps in the English Premiership. Between 2001 and 2005, he amassed more than 100 appearances for the club and played in two Premiership finals, with Wasps claiming the title on both occasions. During his time at the club, Wasps also won the European Rugby Challenge Cup, the Heineken Champions Cup and a third Premiership title.
Although he was hugely successful in domestic rugby, Craig Dowd is arguably best known for his time with the All Blacks between 1993 and 2000. During this time, he made 60 appearances for his country and appeared in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.
When he retired from playing, Craig Dowd moved into coaching with Wasps. Following this, he worked as the head coach for North Harbour in the Air New Zealand Cup (now the Bunnings NPC). Since leaving his role at North Harbour, he’s started his own business and has worked as a rugby commentator.
Fixtures & Results
Sat Aug 29, 2026
Sat Sep 5, 2026
