JJ Pokai

JJ Pokai (born 30 April 2002) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for the Chiefs and Taranaki. His preferred position is hooker.^[1]

JJ Pokai

Full name	Josiah Pokai
Born	(2002-04-30) 30 April 2002 (age 23) New Zealand
Height	174 cm (5 ft 9 in)
Weight	115 kg (254 lb; 18 st 2 lb)
School	New Plymouth Boys' High School
Rugby union career
Position Hooker Current team Chiefs, Taranaki Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2024– Taranaki 16 (0) 2026– Chiefs Correct as of 11 November 2025

Early career

Pokai attended New Plymouth Boys' High School where he played rugby for the first XV.^[2] After leaving school he joined up with the Taranaki academy, joining in 2020.^[3] He earned selection for the Chiefs U20 side in 2021,^[4] having earned selection for the Chiefs U18 side in 2019. He plays his club rugby for the New Plymouth Old Boys in the Taranaki region.^[5]

Professional career

Pokai has represented Taranaki in the National Provincial Championship since 2024, being named in the squad for the 2025 Bunnings NPC.^[6] He was named in the Chiefs wider training group for the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.^[7]