Ben grew up in Manawatu region near his cousins, the famous Whitelock quintet.
Ben was a former captain of Palmerston North Boys High school Rugby team and was a member of the 2008 NZ Secondary Schools squad. He also captained the Crusader Knights development team in 2012.
Funnell returned to the Crusaders after his debut season in 2011 and two impressive seasons with the Canterbury provincial side.
He and fellow young hooker Codie Taylor clearly benefited from some more regular game time with Canterbury in 2012 and, with the experience and expertise of former All Black hooker Corey Flynn to draw on, they continued to improve.
Since making his Super Rugby debut in 2012 against the Waratahs Funnell has represented the Crusaders on 58 occasions scoring 2 tries. Funnell was once again named in the Crusader 2017 Super Rugby squad.
In July 2017, the experienced front-rower signed on with the Crusaders through to 2019. It will be his 7th Super Rugby campaign in 2018.
Funnell headed to Japan in 2019 joining Ricoh Black Rams.
JW Jan 2021
Career
 |
Canterbury Hooker |
2011 - present |
 |
Crusaders Hooker |
2012 - 2019 |
 |
Black Rams Tokyo Hooker |
2019 - 2022 |
 |
Western Force Hooker |
2024 - 2024 |
