George Bell (rugby union)

George Bell (born 29 January 2002) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and Canterbury in the Bunnings NPC.^[1][2]

George Bell

Date of birth	(2002-01-29) 29 January 2002 (age 23)
Place of birth	New Zealand
Height	183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	107 kg (236 lb; 16 st 12 lb)
School	John McGlashan College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker Current team Crusaders, Canterbury Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2022– Crusaders 15 (15) 2022– Canterbury 22 (25) Correct as of 5 November 2024 International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2022 New Zealand U20 3 (25) 2024– New Zealand 2 (5) Correct as of 5 November 2024

Early life

George grew up on his family farm, Shag Valley Station, in East Otago. George Bell first played for the Eastern Rugby Football Club in Waikouaiti.^[3]

Having been an boarder in the John McGlashan College, Bell later joined the Lincoln University as he made it to the Crusaders academy.^[3]

Club career

While still yet to play provincial rugby,^[4] George Bell made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders on the 7 May 2022. ^[5] He scored a try on debut during this 53-13 win against Western Force in Perth.^[4][6]

International career

George Bell is an under-20 international with New Zealand, having played 4 friendly games with the Baby Blacks in 2021, against Wellington, Tasman, the Cook Islands and a Harlequins XV, as international junior competitions were halted by covid.^[3]

On 20 July 2024 Bell made his All Blacks debut as a replacement in the test match against Fiji, scoring a try in the 77th minute.^[7]