Craig Millar, born on 29 October 1990, is a New Zealand-born Japanese rugby union player who primarily plays as a loosehead prop. He has represented Japan internationally and has played for various teams throughout his career.
Millar hails from Dunedin, in New Zealand's Otago region. He attended Otago Boys' High School, where he played first XV rugby. After completing his studies in accounting at the University of Otago, he began balancing his career as an accountant with his rugby aspirations. Millar initially played for Pirates in Otago's local club rugby competition.
In 2013, Millar made his debut for the Otago squad in the ITM Cup, showcasing his talent and earning 11 caps in his first season. He continued to impress in subsequent seasons, playing a key role for Otago as they reached the Championship semi-finals in 2013, 2015, and 2016.
Millar's performances in domestic rugby caught the attention of the Highlanders, who included him in their wider training group for the 2014 Super Rugby season. Despite facing some injury setbacks, he made appearances for the Highlanders as a substitute in 2014 and 2016.
In 2018, Millar joined the Sunwolves, a Tokyo-based Super Rugby franchise, after failing to cement his position in the Highlanders squad. He continued to make strides in his career and became a regular member of the Panasonic Wild Knights squad in the Top League, winning the league title with them in 2021.
His contributions and performances led to Millar being named in the Japanese national squad to face the British and Irish Lions in May 2021, highlighting his importance to Japanese rugby. Alongside his rugby career, Millar has completed an accounting degree at the University of Otago and works as an accountant during the off-season.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023 Millar has been named in the training squad for Japan.
KG(02/07/2023)
Career
 |
Saitama Wild Knights Loosehead Prop |
2018 - present |
 |
Barbarians Loosehead Prop |
2019 - present |
 |
Otago Loosehead Prop |
2013 - 2017 |
 |
Highlanders Loosehead Prop |
2014 - 2017 |
 |
Sunwolves Loosehead Prop |
2018 - 2021 |
 |
World XV Loosehead Prop |
2018 - 2021 |
 |
Japan XV Loosehead Prop |
2023 - 2024 |
 |
Japan Loosehead Prop |
2021 - 2024 |
