Wazza’s Gallic Reinvention

Toulouse No 9, Byron Kelleher says that moving to France was the best thing he ever did and though he misses the All Blacks, he has opened another chapter in his life. After 10 years and 59 Test caps, Dunedin-born Kelleher, 31, initially found it difficult to adapt to the French culture and a foreign language, not to mention the hangover of the World Cup quarter-final exit to France in Cardiff. But Kelleher, quick, combative and strong, loves the unstructured style of French play – instinctive and willing to give it a go. No wonder France have adopted him as one of their own. Kelleher is one of the most multi-dimensional characters in world rugby. He does not slow down off the field. Kelleher has set up the BK9 Foundation, helping French youngsters pursue their sporting dreams with the likes of Prince Albert of Monaco, Bernard Hinault and Yannick Noah among the patrons. He has a BK9 clothing range in France and is a partner in Range Industries, a company that recycles plastic. “My priority is rugby, but if you do other things it opens your mind, as you meet new people and discover new things.”