Stanley
Joe Stanley is a former All Blacks centre who won the Rugby World Cup in 1987.
Joe Stanley Bio
Joe Stanley is a former All Black centre who is rightfully regarded as a legend of the game. During the 1980s and 90s, he represented the All Blacks almost 50 times and spent nearly a decade with Auckland.
Born in Auckland on 13 April 1957, Joe Stanley is a member of a sporting family. He’s the cousin of popular footballer Tim Cahill, and he’s the father of Jeremy Stanley, who is also a former All Black. In addition to this, he’s also related to rugby players Michael Stanley and Sam Stanley.
On the domestic scene, Joe Stanley represented both Ponsonby RFC and Auckland with distinction. Between 1984 and 1991, he played for Auckland in the National Provincial Championship. During his time with Auckland, he excelled at the domestic level and quickly caught the attention of the national selectors.
As a result of his efficient play for Auckland, Joe Stanley was called up to represent the All Blacks for the first time in 1986. Between then and 1991, he played 49 times for the national side and was capped 27 times.
The highlight of Joe Stanley’s rugby career undoubtedly came in 1987, when he was asked to represent his country at the inaugural Rugby World Cup. During the tournament, he even had the honour of playing in the final, which New Zealand won 29-9.
Throughout his career, Joe Stanley made a name for himself as someone who enjoyed every minute of his career. He also had an uncanny ability to make the right pass at the right time and he gave the opposition nightmares. Since hanging up his boots, Joe Stanley has been sporadically involved in coaching and he also enjoyed a spell in Japan.
