Kieran Read praises 'sense of belonging' in GAA

A two-time World Cup winner, captain of the All Blacks with 127 caps for his country, and a former world Player of the Year, there is not much that could phase Kieran Read.

However, a trip to Ireland opened his eyes to what is required to be successful in GAA, as was part of a series focusing on the lives of footballers, hurlers, and camogie players.

Having being provided with everything needed for success with New Zealand, Read was taken back by the commitment by GAA players, as they managed a career outside the sport.

“What they're doing on the field, performing at such a high level, what they're doing physically to get to that point. It is quite remarkable.

"Training before work or after, having the schedule down, doing it all themselves.

“For me, in professional rugby, you'd check you're schedule, that was your schedule, you can't change it and it was all there, you just basically turn up and do it.

“So, they've got to plan and prepare themselves to get to that moment, and trust your team mates that they can all get there, too, making sure you perform on a Saturday. That bit was cool.”

Having watched what club success means for the communities across the country, the former All Blacks captain highlighted the sense of belonging in GAA.

“The other bit I really picked out, was they've a real sense of belonging, you're playing for your club, your village.

“It is where you grew up, the people you grew up with, your family and friends. Just that whole camaraderie and how intense that was. I really enjoyed that side of things, too.”

Since retiring from international rugby in 2019, a lot has happened in clashes between Ireland and New Zealand.

The former Crusaders man says the rivalry between New Zealand and Ireland is