Charles Riechelmann

Charles Riechelmann
Birth nameCharles Calvin Riechelmann
Date of birth (1972-04-26) 26 April 1972 (age 52)
Place of birthNukuʻalofa, Tonga
Height1.92 m (6 ft 4 in)
Weight107 kg (16 st 12 lb)
SchoolAuckland Grammar School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
Grammar-Carlton ()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1994-1999 Auckland 76 (60)
Super Rugby
Years Team Apps (Points)
1996-1999 Blues 42 (15)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1997 New Zealand 6 (15)

Charles Riechelmann (RICK-le-man, born 26 April 1972) is a former professional rugby union player who played as a lock. He played for Auckland provincially and the Blues in the Super Rugby competition. He was part of the Blues' title-winning teams in 1996 and 1997. Although he was born in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, he played for New Zealand at international level, making him the first Tongan-born All Black. He played six test matches (in all cases as a reserve) for New Zealand in 1997, scoring three tries.

In 2020 and 2021/22, he completed two seasons of Match Fit with Classic All Blacks. He was one of the most flexible members in the group in season 2.[1][2]

  1. ^ "Match Fit Season 2 Ep 1 | DOCUMENTARY/FACTUAL | ThreeNow". threenow.co.nz. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
  2. ^ "Match Fit Season 2 Ep 2 | DOCUMENTARY/FACTUAL | ThreeNow". threenow.co.nz. Retrieved 29 June 2022.