Taine Randell

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Taine Chenyenne Randell
Date of birth	1974-05-11
Place of birth	Hastings, New Zealand

Taine Randell is a New Zealand rugby union player.

Randell was a highly versatile loose forward and a former All Black player and captain.

In his 61 game tenure as an All Black he played 51 tests, including 19 as captain. He also captained Otago in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) at the age of 19. His All Black debut was versus Italy 'A' at the age of 20, and his test debut versus Fiji, age 22. In his time as an All Black he scored 12 tries and was widely regarded as one of the most versatile forwards. In essence a back trapped in a forwards body.

Randell was always considered a great captain for his country but suffered from the team being in a transitional stage and never really had the chance to be one of the greatest.

Much considered to have been a legend by many a following player and fan in both codes of rugby. Taine earned respect by always delivering and being on top of his game.

Following the likes of captain Zinzan Brooke he had some very large shoes to fill and did so in an exemplary manner. His passion can be seen right from the off with his matches in charge of the All Blacks, by his aggression and forcefulness in leading the team in the "haka"

The All Blacks have since taken the Haka to a new level but without the likes of Samoan All Black Tana Umanga and Piri Weepu following in the footsteps of Taine Randell by performing with such passion and aggression the haka would never have been what it is today.

Taine left the All Blacks after the 03 Rugby World Cup and relocated to central London. He signed with the English Premiere League Team Saracens but due to injury was forced to retire at the end of their 2005-2006 season. Taine is currently pursuing a career in finance in London, and is married to his wife Jo, they have two young boys.