 He began a business studies course at Auckland University of Technology, but after playing club rugby and spending time at the Auckland Rugby Academy, he was selected to make his first class debut for Auckland in a National Provincial Championship (NPC) match against Taranaki on 24 August 2001.The following year he was named in the Blues squad for the Super 12 and made his debut against the Hurricanes in the opening game of the season, on 22 February 2002.Later that year, he was selected for the All Blacks' year-end tour to , and ; he played in all three Test matches, making his international debut against England at Twickenham on 9 November 2002.