Xavi Taele
{{short description|New Zealand rugby union player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2024}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=December 2024}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Xavi Taele
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| fullname =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2004|12|19|df=y}}
| birth_place = Montpellier, France
| height = {{convert|182|cm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|90|kg|lb stlb|0|abbr=on}}
| school = Saint Kentigern College
| university = Auckland University
| relatives =
| occupation =
| spouse =
| position = Centre / First Five / Wing (rugby union)|Wing]]
| currentclub = {{Rut|Blues}}, {{Rut|Auckland}}
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 =
| years1 = 2024–
| clubs1 = {{Rut|Auckland}}
| apps1 = 10
| points1 = 18
| years2 = 2025–
| clubs2 = {{Rut|Blues}}
| apps2 = 0
| points2 = 0
| repyears1 = 2023–2024
| repteam1 = New Zealand U20
| repcaps1 = 11
| reppoints1 = 20
| clubupdate = 9 December 2024
| repupdate = 9 December 2024
| ru_sevensnationalyears1 =
| ru_sevensnationalteam1 =
| ru_sevensnationalcomp1 =
| ru_sevensupdate =
}}
Xavi Taele (born 19 December 2004) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for the {{Rut|Blues}} and {{Rut|Auckland}}. His preferred position is centre or wing.{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimaterugby.com/app/public/index.php/xavi-taele|title=Xavi Taele|work=Ultimate Rugby|access-date=9 December 2024}}
Early career
Taele attended Saint Kentigern College where he was the recipient of the Michael Garner Scholarship.{{cite news|url=https://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/newsarticle/121793?|title=Xavi Taele - recipient of the Michael Garner Scholarship|work=Auckland Rugby|access-date=9 December 2024}} He represented New Zealand U20 in 2023 and 2024.{{cite news|url=https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/new-zealand-under-20-squad-named-for-the-world-rugby-u20-championship|title=New Zealand Under 20 squad named for the World Rugby U20 Championship|work=NZ Rugby|date=6 June 2023|access-date=9 December 2024}} He came through the Auckland academy and represented the Blues at U20s level.{{cite news|url=https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/nz-u20|title=Seven young Blues earn NZ U20 selection|work=Blues|date=10 April 2024|access-date=9 December 2024}}
Professional career
Taele has represented {{Rut|Auckland}} in the National Provincial Championship since 2024, being named in their full squad for the 2024 Bunnings NPC.{{cite press release | url=https://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/newsarticle/143611 | title=Auckland Rugby names the 2024 NPC squad with a novel 'reverse jersey presentation' | work=Auckland Rugby | date=29 July 2024 | access-date=18 September 2024}} He was named in the {{Rut|Blues}} squad for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season in November 2024.{{cite press release |url=https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/ready-to-take-handbrake-off |title=We're ready to take the handbrake off |work=Blues |date=11 November 2024 |access-date=11 November 2024}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.itsrugby.co.uk/players/xavi-taele-58746.html itsrugby.co.uk Profile]
{{Blues squad}}
{{Auckland NPC squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Taele, Xavi}}
Category:New Zealand rugby union players
Category:Blues (Super Rugby) players
Category:Auckland rugby union players
Category:People educated at Saint Kentigern College
Category:21st-century New Zealand sportsmen
{{NZ-rugbyunion-bio-stub}}