All Blacks Sevens Star Andrew Knewstubb Eyes Future After NPC Success

All Blacks Sevens player Andrew Knewstubb is contemplating his rugby future following a fulfilling campaign with Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship (NPC). Currently leading the NPC, Knewstubb has returned to the team after his initial stint in 2020, and is enjoying the change from the sevens format, which he has played since 2017.

Knewstubb, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and was part of the squad for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, has an impressive resume that includes a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and a title in the World Sevens Series, where he was the top points scorer during the 2018-19 season. Despite his accolades, the 30-year-old is uncertain about returning to the sevens circuit for the next Olympic cycle in 2026. “I’m not too sure yet,” he remarked to The Press. “For the first time in a wee while, I don’t really have a plan. I’ll leave all the doors open and sort it out from there.”

Knewstubb expressed that returning to Canterbury has been a refreshing experience following a challenging year in sevens. “It’s cool to come down and reconnect with some of the boys I played with five years ago… they’re all old dogs now,” he noted. He appreciates the physical benefits of playing in the 15s format, stating, “In terms of the tendons and joints, it’s probably not as brutal as sevens, I feel.”

Canterbury coach Marty Bourke confirmed that Knewstubb has always been on their radar. The team initially signed Wallabies veteran James O’Connor for the NPC season, but after O’Connor received an offer from English club Leicester, Knewstubb emerged as the ideal replacement. He has already made significant contributions in the team’s first nine games.

“Stubby’s been very good for us because he has been in that top echelon of sport, albeit in the sevens field,” Bourke said. He highlighted Knewstubb’s ability to see space on the field as a unique skill. “In sevens, you’ve only got to go through three or four sets of hands to find it, but in rugby, you’ve got to go through five or six to create it. He’s developed that really well.”

Knewstubb has embraced the team culture and professionalism at Canterbury, describing the environment as one where everyone holds each other to a high standard. He notes that this camaraderie resembles the family-oriented atmosphere he experienced with the sevens team in the past. Reflecting on the last time he played for Canterbury in 2020, he observed, “I felt like we’d lost a little bit of the enjoyment. This year, we’ve really focused on bringing the enjoyment back in, and having a laugh, which allows us, when it’s time to work, to really get into our work.”

Originally from Waikanae on the Kapiti Coast, Knewstubb moved to Nelson at 17 and was working as a landscaper when he received the call to join the All Blacks Sevens. Now based in Papamoa, he has played various positions for Canterbury, including fullback and first-five. Though the transition to No 10 has presented challenges, he is becoming more comfortable as he gains experience.

Knewstubb possesses a keen sense of pace and awareness on the field, alongside a notable talent for drop-kicking. Bourke considers him the best drop-kicker he has ever coached. In Canterbury’s first Ranfurly Shield defense against Tasman, Knewstubb prepared to attempt a match-winning field goal but was ultimately not needed as the team scored a try after a prolonged phase of play. “It was my birthday that day, I felt the stars were aligned,” he quipped, adding that he was sure his former Tasman Mako teammates were eager to challenge him.

With extensive experience in kick-offs and conversions in sevens, Knewstubb admits he feels more at ease kicking off the ground rather than off the tee. Following a missed penalty attempt during a recent 19-19 draw with Northland, he plans to increase his practice sessions.

Winning the Ranfurly Shield from Southland was a significant achievement for Knewstubb, especially given that he was part of the team that lost it to Taranaki in 2020. While he was disappointed to lose to Otago in the second defense, he emphasized that the shield remains meaningful to all teams, including Canterbury.

Looking ahead, Knewstubb has set his sights on winning the NPC. “When I knew I was coming down here, the first thing I wrote in my book was ‘to win the NPC.’ I’ve definitely got one eye on that goal, but I’m focusing every week on just getting better. I feel like that’s the most important thing.”