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Tim Mikkelson reflects on legendary 17-year All Blacks Sevens career
By Finn Morton
Tim Mikkelson retires as the most-capped player in New Zealand Sevens history. Debuting on the now-called SVNS Series in South Africa 17 years ago, Mikkelson went on to play over 500 matches in the black jersey – a career truly deserving of praise, acclaim, and applause.
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Before the Toulouse Sevens in May 2023, this writer spoke with Sam Dickson about Mikkelson. Dickson was seen wearing a ‘Tim Mikkelson 100’ T-shirt that day to celebrate the history that his teammate was about to make during that event.
No New Zealander had ever played 100 international sevens tournament, but Mikkelson broke new ground in the French city – much like he’d done with various achievements and successes throughout a decorated career in the black jersey.
At 38 years of age, Mikkelson bows out from professional rugby as a seven-time overall champion on the SVNS Series, a two-time Rugby World Cup Sevens champion, a silver medallist at the Tokyo Olympics, and a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
The man who holds a special place in New Zealand Rugby history as All Black Sevens No. 190 also leaves the sport as the fourth-highest try-scorer in SVNS Series history. Mikkelson was also once named the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2013.
“Some of the highlights, definitely the first jersey. I worked so hard to get it, it was in the days of (Gordon Tietjens) so it was pretty tough,” Mikkelson said in a New Zealand Sevens video when asked to reflect on his favourite moments.
“I just cherished every minute. Got out there and managed to touch the ball a few times and we actually won the tournament. I had to learn the haka quickly on the sidelines so it’s something I’ll always remember.
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“The Commonwealth Games in Delhi, it was pretty hot… obviously the Olympics, I’m proud of that team and the effort they put in.
“I watched Hong Kong Sevens growing up, I always wanted to play there so going there and playing that, and playing in front of 60,000 people in Hong Kong over three days in the heat is something I’ll never forget.
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“To be able to play this long for this team is something I’ll always remember… I love this team. I got to travel the world, I spoke to my best mates and trained with them every day, and to be able to wear the black jersey and represent New Zealand is just even better.
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“I’ll cherish these memories forever.”
On Friday, New Zealand Sevens announced that Mikkelson had retired. But the SSVNS Series icon wasn’t alone, with fellow greats Sam Dickson and Scott Curry also calling time on their well-known careers with the All Blacks Sevens.
Dickson debuted for the All Blacks Sevens at the 2012 Dubai Sevens. The former New Zealand AFL representative went on to win the World Series four times, is a one-time World Cup Sevens winner, and has a bronze, silver and gold medal from Commonwealth Games appearances.
Curry has called time as a six-time World Series champion, who has also tasted success at the Rugby World Cup Sevens, the Commonwealth Games, and he was part of the Team New Zealand side that claimed silver at the postponed Tokyo Games.
All three men also captained the All Blacks Sevens at some stage.
“Scott, Tim and Sam have all made a significant contribution on and off the field to the All Blacks Sevens during their tenure. They have left an incredible mark on the game and have added to the legacy of the All Blacks Sevens,” New Zealand Rugby’s Head of Men’s High Performance, Mike Anthony, said in a statement last week.
“The success they have had in the black jersey is a credit to their leadership, work ethic and dedication to the game. On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I want to thank them for their incredible service and wish them well for their future endeavours.”
Enjoy your retirement you absolute legend.