Ben Austin Blair (born 26 March 1979 in Westport, New Zealand) is a former rugby union footballer. He played four tests for New Zealand. He scored 37 points on his All Blacks debut against Ireland A in 2001 at Ravenhill in Belfast; however, as this was not a test match he was not capped. His first test match appearance came in November that year against Scotland.

Ben Blair
Full nameBen Austin Blair
Date of birth (1979-03-26) 26 March 1979 (age 45)
Place of birthWestport, New Zealand
Height174 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Weight83 kg (183 lb; 13 st 1 lb)
SchoolSt. Andrew's College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback, Wing
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1999–2006 Canterbury 78 (950)
2001–2004 Crusaders 28 (159)
2005–2006 Highlanders 23 (214)
2006–2012 Cardiff Blues 115 (1,073)
Correct as of 28 May 2020
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1999–2000 New Zealand U21 9 (107)
2000 New Zealand A 4 (48)
2001–2002 New Zealand 6 (62)
2002 New Zealand Barbarians 1 (22)
2009 Barbarian F.C. 3 (17)
Correct as of 28 May 2020

Blair made his Canterbury debut in 1999 and his Crusaders debut in 2001. He won the Super 12 with the Crusaders in 2002, as well as the NPC and the Ranfurly Shield with Canterbury. He also scored an NPC First Division record of 37 points for Canterbury, against Counties Manukau in only his fourth NPC game.

In 2006, he moved to the Highlanders, before moving to the Cardiff Blues, with whom he played between 2007 and 2012. During his time in Cardiff he scored 1078 points, making him the all-time top points scorer for the team.[1] He scored two tries for Cardiff Blues, in the EDF Energy Cup final against Gloucester at Twickenham in April 2009.[2]

In 2012, Blair joined French club SU Agen Lot-et-Garonne of the Top 14; however, he was forced to retire due to a knee injury without playing a single game for the side.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Howell, Andy (14 December 2015). "Andy Howell picks the greatest Cardiff Blues XV in history". walesonline.
  2. ^ "Cardiff Blues 50-12 Gloucester". 18 April 2009 – via news.bbc.co.uk.
  3. ^ "BBC Sport: Former Blues player Ben Blair forced to retire due to injury".
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