Stan Wright (rugby union)

Stan Wright (born 29 September 1978) is a retired Cook Islands international rugby union player, who played in the prop position for Leinster, Blues and Stade Français.^[2][3]

Stan Wright

Wright in 2013
Birth name	Stanley Wright
Date of birth	(1978-09-29) 29 September 1978 (age 46)
Place of birth	Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Height	1.87 m (6 ft 1+1⁄2 in)
Weight	131 kg (20 st 9 lb; 289 lb)[1]
School	Tereora College
Notable relative(s)	Poila Wright (Mama Tuki)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop Current team Retired Youth career   Whangarei Marist, Auckland Marist Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 1999–2000 2000–2006 2006 2006–2011 2011–2013 2013–2015 2015–2016 Ystradgynlais Northland Blues Leinster Stade Français RC Narbonne Oyonnax 0 61 0 94 57 54 14 (0) (5) (0) (5) (0) (25) (0) Correct as of 30 April 2020 International career Years Team Apps (Points)   Cook Islands 9 (9)

Playing career

Stan's played for clubs such as the Marist Club in Whangārei, and for Northland in the Air New Zealand Cup where he played alongside Fijian flyer, Rupeni Caucaunibuca. He was also part of the Auckland Blues squad for the 2006 Super 14 season, however, he was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Wright joined Irish side Leinster in December 2006 as an injury replacement for Will Green, after he was recommended to the club by Auckland scrum coach Mike Casey, who was a friend of the then Leinster forwards coach, Mike Brewer. Wright proved himself to be a successful scrummager and eventually nailed himself down as the first choice prop for the club.

The following season, Stanley helped Leinster to their 2nd Magners League title win, with a number of impressive performances in the front row, he was rewarded for this by being selected in the '07/08 League Dream Team', along with six other players from Leinster. Wright won the IRUPA Sports 'Unsung Hero' award for his performances in the 2008-09 Magners League season.^[4]

Stanley won the 2009 and 2011 Heineken Cup with Leinster, before moving on to French side Stade Français. He was extremely popular with the Leinster supporters and he earned the nickname 'Cookie Monster' because of his home nation, the Cook Islands.^[5]

Coaching career

Stan was appointed Forwards coach for the amateur Irish Rugby team, Suttonians RFC, for the 2009–2010 season.

In 2016, Stanley was hired as coach of the under 20's Cook Islands Rugby team.^[6]

Personal life

Stan's mother, Poila Wright (Mama Tuki) was awarded an OBE in 2007.^[7]

In 2011, Stan was the highest paid athlete from the Cook Islands.^[8]

Honours

Cups

• Pro12^{[note 1]}
  • 2008
• European Rugby Champions Cup^{[note 2]}
  • 2009
  • 2011

Personal Honours

• Magners League Dream Team for the 07–08 season.^[9]