Zarn Sullivan
{{short description|New Zealand rugby union player}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox rugby biography
| name = Zarn Sullivan
| image =
| image_size =
| caption =
| fullname =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|07|10|df=y}}
| birth_place = Napier, New Zealand
| height = {{convert|193|cm|ftin|0|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|101|kg|lb stlb|0|abbr=on}}
| school = King's College
Napier Boys' High School
| university =
| relatives = Bailyn Sullivan (brother)
| occupation =
| spouse =
| position = Fullback, First five-eighth
| currentclub = Auckland, Blues
| allblackno =
| allblackid =
| youthyears1 =
| youthclubs1 =
| years1 = 2020–
| clubs1 = Auckland
| apps1 = 31
| points1 = 162
| years2 = 2021–
| clubs2 = Blues
| apps2 = 38
| points2 = 60
| repyears1 = 2022
| repteam1 = Māori All Blacks
| repcaps1 = 1
| reppoints1 = 5
| repyears2 =
| repteam2 =
| repcaps2 =
| reppoints2 =
| clubupdate = 10 October 2024
| repupdate = 29 June 2022
}}
Zarn Sullivan (born 10 July 2000) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who currently plays as a fullback or fly-half for the {{Rut|Blues}} in Super Rugby{{cite web | url=https://www.blues.rugby/zarn-sullivan-player-profile | title=Blues player profile | work=Blues | year=2022 | access-date=14 July 2022}} and for {{Rut|Auckland}} in New Zealand's domestic National Provincial Championship competition.{{cite web|url=https://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/our-teams/bunnings-warehouse-npc-team-1 | title=Auckland NPC player profiles | work=Auckland Rugby Union | year=2022 | access-date=14 July 2022}}
Early career
Sullivan was born in Napier in Hawke's Bay, where he attended Napier Boys' High School. While at Napier Boys', he played for the school's First XV team{{cite news | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/super-rugby-meet-zarn-sullivan-the-pick-of-the-blues-next-gen/CXLO4IXHDHSQD63I3MCOG3XHFE/ | title=Super Rugby: Meet Zarn Sullivan, the pick of the Blues' next gen | work=New Zealand Herald | date=14 May 2021 | access-date=14 July 2022 | url-access=subscription}} and represented Hawke's Bay at Under 14 and Under 16 level.{{cite web | url=http://www.sportsground.co.nz/hbruu14 | title=U14 Reps | work=Hawke's Bay Rugby Union | year=2014 | access-date=14 July 2022 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140717172617/http://www.sportsground.co.nz/hbruu14 | archive-date=17 July 2014}}
In 2017, he followed in his brother Bailyn Sullivan's footsteps and moved to Auckland where he spent his final two years of secondary school at King's College. He played for the college's First XV team in the Auckland 1A 1st XV competition. In 2017, an injury prevented him from being selected in the Auckland Under 18 squad,{{cite web | url=http://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/representative/under-18 | title=Under 18s | work=Auckland Rugby Union | year=2017 | access-date=14 July 2022 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170921140941/http://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/representative/under-18 | archive-date=21 September 2017}} but a year later he was invited to attend the {{rut|Blues}} Under 18 camp.{{cite press release | url=http://theblues.co.nz/players-selected-for-u18-camp/ | title=Players selected for U18 camp | work=Blues | date=4 July 2018 | access-date=14 July 2022 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709063755/http://theblues.co.nz/players-selected-for-u18-camp/ | archive-date=9 July 2018}}
In 2019, Sullivan represented Auckland at Under 19 level at the Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 tournament.{{cite web | url=https://rugbyheartland.co.nz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Jock-Hobbs-Programme-2019_PR.pdf | title=Jock Hobbs Memorial National Under 19 Tournament: Official Tournament Programme | work=New Zealand Rugby | date=September 2019 | access-date=14 July 2022}} That same year – his first year out of school – he was named the Auckland Rugby "Club Rookie of the Year" at the province's end-of-year awards function.{{cite news | url=https://www.kingscollege.school.nz/news-hub/news/zarn-grace-auckland-rugby/ | title=King's rugby features at the Auckland Rugby Awards | work=King's College | date=18 October 2019 | access-date=14 July 2022}}
In 2019 and 2020, he played for both the Blues Under 20{{cite news | url=https://www.facebook.com/theblues/photos/a.10150139466111454/10157229712636454/ | title=The Blues Under 20s vs Hurricanes Under 20s in Palmerston North | work=Blues | date=8 February 2019 | access-date=14 July 2022}} – via Facebook{{cite press release | url=https://blues.rugby/ganellen-u20s-v-hurricanes/ | title=Ganellen U20s named to play Hurricanes U20s | work=Blues | date=27 February 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306165643/https://blues.rugby/ganellen-u20s-v-hurricanes/ | archive-date=6 March 2021}} and the Blues 'A' team.{{cite news | url=https://www.facebook.com/theblues/photos/a.10152186654756454/10157346655056454 | title=Blues A named to play Chiefs A | work=Blues | date=28 March 2019 | access-date=14 July 2022}} – via Facebook{{cite press release | url=https://blues.rugby/ieremia-leads-blues-a-team/ | title=Ieremia leads Blues ‘A’ team | work=Blues | date=6 March 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306025903/https://blues.rugby/ieremia-leads-blues-a-team/ | archive-date=6 March 2020}}
Senior career
In September 2020, Sullivan was named in the {{rut|Auckland}} squad for the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup season.{{cite press release | url=https://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/newsarticle/94827 | title=Experience and Pedigree will be the key for Auckland’s 2020 Mitre 10 Cup squad | work=Auckland Rugby Union | date=2 September 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022}} He made his debut for the province – via the bench – on 20 September 2020 against {{rut|Wellington}}{{cite press release | url=https://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/newsarticle/95480 | title=Auckland look to tame the Lions in first homecoming of the season | work=Auckland Rugby Union | date=18 September 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022}} and earned his first start on 17 October 2020 against {{Rut|Tasman}}.{{cite press release | url=https://www.aucklandrugby.co.nz/newsarticle/96438 | title=Auckland face a top of the table clash with the Makos at Eden Park | work=Auckland Rugby Union | date=15 October 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022}}
His first, successful season playing for Auckland saw him rewarded with a spot in the {{Rut|Blues}} squad for the 2021 Super Rugby season.{{cite press release | url=https://blues.rugby/2021-squad-named/ | title=2021 Squad named | work=Blues | date=3 December 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202195634/https://blues.rugby/2021-squad-named/ | archive-date=2 December 2020}} Having already played for the Blues during preseason ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season, after being offered an Interim Training Contract,{{cite press release | url=https://blues.rugby/blues-name-first-team-for-2020/ | title=Blues name first team for 2020 | work=Blues | date=16 January 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116044657/https://blues.rugby/blues-name-first-team-for-2020/ | archive-date=16 January 2020}} he made his Super Rugby debut for the franchise on 1 May 2021 against a {{Rut|Chiefs}} side that featured his brother Bailyn Sullivan.{{cite press release | url=https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/team-named-for-final-sra-hit-out/ | title=Team named for final SRA hit-out | work=Blues | date=29 April 2021 | access-date=14 July 2022}} He scored a try on debut.{{cite web | url=https://super.rugby/superrugby/match-centre/?competition=355&season=2021&match=355202 | title=Match centre: Blues v Chiefs | website=SANZAAR | date=1 May 2021 | access-date=14 July 2022}}
Sullivan went on to play 7 games for the Blues in his first season, which culminated in the franchise winning the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman title.{{cite news | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/18-year-wait-over-for-the-blues/ | title=8 Year wait over for the Blues | website=allblacks.com | date=19 June 2021 | access-date=14 July 2022}} While he played all his 1st XV rugby and age-grade representative rugby at first five-eighth, he played at fullback in all his senior games for Auckland and the Blues. He did this so well, that he was named the Blues "Rookie of the Year" at the end of the 2021 season.{{cite news | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/tom-robinson-wins-mealamu-medal-at-blues-awards-night/ | title=Tom Robinson wins Mealamu Medal at Blues Awards Night | website=allblacks.com | date=25 June 2021 | access-date=14 July 2022}}
In November 2021, Sullivan re-signed with the Blues until the end of the 2024 Super Rugby season.{{cite press release | url=https://www.blues.rugby/blues-rugby-news/experienced-and-pathway-prospects-extend | title=Experienced and pathway prospects extend stay | work=Blues | date=16 November 2021 | access-date=14 July 2022}}
International career
In 2018, after his last year at King's College, Sullivan was named in the New Zealand Secondary Schools team for a three-match international series in Australia.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/new-zealand-schools-and-new-zealand-schools-barbarians-teams-named | title=New Zealand Schools' and New Zealand Schools' Barbarians teams named | website=allblacks.com | language=en | date=23 September 2018 | access-date=14 July 2022}} He played in all three games, including a 24–12 victory over Australian Schools.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/new-zealand-schools-team-named-to-play-australia-schools | title=New Zealand Schools' team named to play Australia Schools' | website=allblacks.com | language=en | date=5 October 2018 | access-date=14 July 2022}}
A year later, Sullivan - who is of Ngāti Kahungunu descent - was selected to play for the first ever New Zealand Māori Under 20 team in a match against {{ruu|20|FIJ|noflag=1|name=Fiji}}. The NZ Māori Under 20 team, which Sullivan co-captained, won the game 48 to 31.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/new-zealand-maori-under-20s-named-for-fiji | title=New Zealand Maori Under 20s named for Fiji | website=allblacks.com | language=en | date=19 July 2019 | access-date=14 July 2022}}
Late 2019 and early 2020, Sullivan was invited to attend the New Zealand Under 20 trial and development camps in preparation of the 2020 Oceania Rugby Under 20 Championship and World Rugby U20 Championship.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/new-zealand-under-20-programme-casts-wide-net | title=New Zealand under 20 programme casts wide net | website=allblacks.com | language=en | date=21 November 2019 | access-date=14 July 2022}}{{Cite press release | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/triallists-named-for-new-zealand-under-20-development-camp/ | title=Triallists named for New Zealand Under 20 development camp | website=allblacks.com | language=en | date=13 February 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022}} Unfortunately, Sullivan missed out on playing for the New Zealand Under 20 team, because these tournaments were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite press release | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/oceania-rugby-under-20s-championships-cancelled/ | title=Oceania Rugby Under 20s Championships cancelled | website=allblacks.com | language=en | date=22 May 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022}}{{Cite press release | url=https://www.world.rugby/news/568360 | title=World Rugby update on COVID-19 response measures and statement from Sir Bill Beaumont | work=World Rugby | language=en | date=21 March 2020 | access-date=14 July 2022}}
In June 2022, Sullivan and his brother Bailyn were – for the first time – named in the Māori All Blacks squad to take on Ireland on their New Zealand tour.{{Cite press release | title=Māori All Blacks squad named for two-match Ireland series | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/maori-all-blacks/ | website=allblacks.com | date=15 June 2022 | access-date=14 July 2022 | language=en-NZ}} He made his debut for the side on 29 June 2022,{{Cite press release | title=Māori All Blacks team named to play Ireland in Hamilton | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/maori-all-blacks-team-named-to-play-ireland-in-hamilton/ | website=allblacks.com | date=27 June 2022 | access-date=14 July 2022 | language=en-NZ}} when the Māori All Blacks beat Ireland 32–17 in Hamilton. Sullivan, who for the first time played together with his brother, had a man-of-the-match performance and scored a try on debut.{{cite news | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/129095117/sullivan-brothers-pumped-for-first-game-together-in-mori-all-blacks-v-ireland | title=Sullivan brothers pumped for first game together in Māori All Blacks v Ireland | work=Stuff New Zealand | date=29 June 2022 | access-date=14 July 2022}}{{Cite news | title=Strong first half propels Māori All Blacks to victory | url=https://www.allblacks.com/news/strong-first-half-propels-maori-all-blacks-to-victory/ | website=allblacks.com | date=29 June 2022 | access-date=14 July 2022 | language=en-NZ}}
Reference list
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.rugbyhistory.co.nz/player/zarn-sullivan NZ Rugby History profile]
- {{ItsRugby|45213}}
{{Blues squad}}
{{Auckland Mitre 10 Cup squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sullivan, Zarn}}
Category:Ngāti Kahungunu people
Category:People educated at Napier Boys' High School
Category:People educated at King's College, Auckland
Category:Rugby union players from Napier, New Zealand
Category:New Zealand rugby union players
Category:Rugby union fly-halves
Category:Rugby union fullbacks
Category:Auckland rugby union players
Category:Blues (Super Rugby) players