Joe Wheeler (rugby union)

Joe Wheeler
Birth nameJoseph Thomas Wheeler
Date of birth (1987-10-20) 20 October 1987 (age 37)
Place of birthChristchurch, New Zealand
Height2.00 m (6 ft 6+1⁄2 in)
Weight115 kg (18 st 2 lb; 254 lb)
SchoolMarlborough Boys' College
Notable relative(s)Sam Wheeler (baconer)
Ben Wheeler (brother)
Ray Dowker (grandfather)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Flanker
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2016−2020 Suntory Sungoliath 45 (0)
Correct as of 19 August 2020
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
2008–2015, 2019 Tasman 80 (40)
Correct as of 19 August 2020
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
2010–2012 Crusaders 4 (0)
2013–2017 Highlanders 65 (5)
Correct as of 19 August 2020
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2013–2015, 2017 Māori All Blacks 5 (0)
Correct as of 19 August 2020

Joseph (Joey) Thomas Wheeler (born 20 October 1987) is a New Zealand television presenter and former rugby union player. He played as a lock or flanker for Suntory Sungoliath in the Japanese Top League.[1] Wheeler was selected in the New Zealand Māori All Blacks and represented them on the November 2013 tour of North America.[2]

Rugby career

A product of the Marlborough Boys' College 1st XV, Wheeler made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders against the Sharks in 2010.[3] He joined the Highlanders for the 2013 Super Rugby season on a two-year deal.[4]

Television career

After retiring from playing rugby, Wheeler was hired by Sky Sport to commentate rugby.

In April 2021, Wheeler apologised after mimicking an Asian accent in an offensive way when talking about former teammate Kazuki Himeno during a post-match interview with another Highlanders player.[5]

Personal life

Wheeler comes from a successful sporting family of Ngāi Tahu descent: his brother Ben Wheeler[6] is a cricketer who plays for Central Districts; and his grandfather Ray Dowker[7] was a multi-talented athlete who represented Canterbury in cricket, football and many other codes.

In December 2015, Wheeler became engaged to his girlfriend of six years Courtney MacKay, one of the contestants from season 5 of The Block NZ.[8] They married in 2017,[9] and had a daughter in 2019.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Wheeler joins Highlanders". The New Zealand Herald. 5 September 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  2. ^ Robson, Tony (22 October 2013). "Maori All Blacks squad named". Waikato Times. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  3. ^ "Super Rugby Profile: Highlanders – Joe Wheeler". Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  4. ^ "Highlanders in Tasman coup". rugby365.com. 5 September 2012. Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  5. ^ "Presenter Joe Wheeler apologises for offensive accent after Highlanders game". Stuff. 2 April 2021.
  6. ^ "CD Cricket – Ben Wheeler". Archived from the original on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  7. ^ "Blackcaps Archive – Ray Dowker". Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  8. ^ "The Block NZ: Meet Courtney MacKay's biggest fan". Woman's Day. 23 June 2016. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
  9. ^ Land, Emma (22 November 2017). "Highlanders star Joe Wheeler and The Block's Courtney MacKay marry in romantic Marlborough ceremony".
  10. ^ Nealon, Sarah (27 August 2020). "Sky sports presenter Joe Wheeler has fanboy moment with Jeff Wilson". Stuff.
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