Richard Buckman

Richard Buckman (born 27 May 1989) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who currently plays as a midfield back, wing or fullback for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One competition.^[1]

Richard Buckman playing for Kobelco Steelers in 2018
Full name	Richard James Buckman
Date of birth	(1989-05-27) 27 May 1989 (age 35)
Place of birth	Palmerston North, New Zealand
Height	184 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	94 kg (14 st 11 lb; 207 lb)
School	Napier Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre, Wing, Fullback Current team Kobelco Steelers Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2008–2017 Hawke's Bay 73 (121) 2011–2012 Hurricanes 3 (0) 2014–2019 Highlanders 50 (55) 2016–2017 Panasonic Wild Knights 12 (30) 2018– Kobelco Steelers 35 (70) Correct as of 19 May 2023 International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2016–2017 Barbarian F.C. 2 (0) Correct as of 19 May 2023

Early life

Buckman was born in Palmerston North,^[2] and went to Argyll School. In 2002, he was the Ross Shield player of the tournament.^[3] In 2004, he was selected for the Central Districts Under 15 Rugby League side and was a standout player.^{[citation needed]} He attended Napier Boys' High School and was a member of their 1st XV.

Rugby career

Buckman plays his club rugby for Napier Technical and was a member of the 2008 Hawke's Bay Magpies Wider Training Group. He made his debut off the bench for the Magpies against Otago at Carisbrook. In 2009, he was named in the squad and got his first start against Southland. In 2011, he made his debut off the bench for the [Hurricanes.^{[citation needed]}

2009 season

Buckman came close to being selected for the New Zealand side for the Under-20 World Cup.^[3] He was named in the Blackbirds team and mainly used off the bench. He was selected for two starts, one against Southland at Rugby Park in Invercargill and the second in the semi-final against Canterbury at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.^{[citation needed]}

2011 season

In January 2011, Buckman was selected for the Hurricanes Wider Training Group.^[4] He played in all but one of the Hurricanes Development Team games and was then called up to train with the full squad at the end of April.^[5] On 4 June 2011, he make his debut off the bench as replacement for winger Hosea Gear at the end of the match against the Lions at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.^[6]