Will Jordan is a rising star in the world of rugby union, known for his exceptional speed, agility, and scoring ability as a wing and fullback. Born on February 24, 1998, in Christchurch, New Zealand, Jordan has quickly established himself as one of the key players for the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, and his Super Rugby club, the Crusaders.
Will Jordan Early Life and Development
Jordan grew up in a rugby-centric environment in Christchurch. He attended Christchurch Boys' High School, a renowned institution for producing rugby talent. During his time there, he made a significant impact on the school’s first XV team, finishing as the leading try-scorer in the UC Championship in 2015 with 19 tries in just 11 games. His performances earned him a spot on the New Zealand Under-20 team, where he played a crucial role in their victory at the 2017 Junior World Championship.
After high school, Jordan made his debut for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup in 2017. His impressive performances caught the attention of selectors, leading to his recruitment into the Crusaders Academy in 2018.
Professional Career
Crusaders
Jordan made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2019 after overcoming an injury that sidelined him for the previous season. He quickly became known for his lethal finishing ability and dynamic play style. In 2020, he was instrumental in helping the Crusaders secure their fourth consecutive Super Rugby title. His breakout season came in 2021 when he scored an astonishing 15 tries in just 11 tests for the All Blacks, including five tries against Tonga—a performance that nearly matched Marc Ellis's record for most tries scored in a single Test match.
Jordan's contributions to the Crusaders continued to shine as he helped lead them to multiple titles over subsequent seasons. His combination of speed and strength made him a constant threat on the field.
International Career
Will Jordan made his All Blacks debut on November 7, 2020, against Australia. He quickly made an impact by scoring two tries in his second test against Argentina just weeks later. His ability to find the try line consistently has made him one of New Zealand's top scorers; he topped the charts with eight tries during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Jordan's performances have garnered numerous accolades, including being named World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year in 2021. He has become an essential part of the All Blacks setup, known for his work ethic and commitment to excellence.
Playing Style
Standing at 6 feet (1.83 meters) and weighing around 185 pounds (84 kg), Jordan combines agility with physicality. His exceptional pace allows him to evade defenders and exploit gaps in opposition defenses effectively. He is not only a prolific try-scorer but also contributes significantly to his team's overall attacking strategy through intelligent positioning and support play.
Jordan's versatility enables him to play both as a wing and fullback, making him an invaluable asset to both his club and national team.
Recent Developments
In early 2024, Jordan was ruled out of action due to shoulder surgery that will keep him sidelined for approximately six months. This injury comes after a stellar year where he was pivotal in New Zealand's run to the World Cup final. His absence will be felt both by the All Blacks during their upcoming series against England and by the Crusaders as they pursue another Super Rugby title.
Will Jordan Conclusion
Will Jordan's journey from a talented youth player to one of rugby's most promising stars exemplifies hard work and dedication. With numerous accolades already achieved and a bright future ahead, he continues to inspire fans around the world. As he recovers from injury, rugby enthusiasts eagerly await his return to action and look forward to witnessing how this remarkable athlete will shape the future of New Zealand rugby.
