Taylor grew up in Australia, where he was started playing league as a youngster before being encouraged into rugby by his father. He is the great-great-grandson of New Zealand rugby player Walter Pringle who played for the All Blacks in 1893 ( longest historical familial gaps between two All Blacks )
Taylor has been praised for his strong set-piece play, ball-carrying ability, and defensive work. He is also known for his work rate and athleticism around the field. In addition to his success in rugby, Taylor is also a qualified carpenter.
Originally from Levin, Taylor was part of the New Zealand Under 20 team which won the 2011 IRB Junior World Championship. He made his ITM Cup debut with Canterbury in 2012. He gained valuable experience with the Crusaders as a member of the Wider Training Squad in 2012. He made his Investec Super Rugby debut in 2013 but injuries limited his opportunities.
As an impressive young player with surprising speed for a hooker, Taylor earned the attention of the Maori All Blacks selectors with solid performances for Canterbury, including three tries in the 2014 ITM Cup regular season and an 89 per cent tackle success rate.
One of the major success stories of 2015, Codie Taylor went from the least experienced hooker in the Crusaders squad to his All Blacks debut and then a spot in the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad.
In June 2017, Taylor was named in the All Blacks' squad for the NZ Lions series, with doubts remaining over the fitness of Dane Coles.
The hooker then became the first All Black to sign a long-term contract with New Zealand Rugby, extending his contract through to 2021 in August 2017. Taylor helped the Crusaders win back-to-back Super Rugby titles in 2017 and 2018 .
An important leader in the Crusaders side, Codie was named vice-captain of the team alongside David Havili in 2020, but ended up captaining the side throughout Super Rugby Aotearoa when Scott Barrett was injured prior to the start of the competition. He ended up leading the team to their fifth consecutive title.
In December 2021, Taylor recommitted long term to New Zealand Rugby, inking a deal through to 2025. Since his All Blacks debut in 2015, Taylor has played over a 110 matches for the Crusaders and has become a seasoned veteren in the All Blacks team earning 75 Caps heading into the 2023 Rugby Championship.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023, Taylor has been named in the squad for New Zealand.
S/C March 2023
Career
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Canterbury Hooker |
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New Zealand Hooker |
2015 - present |
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South Island Hooker |
2020 - present |
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Maori All Blacks Tighthead Prop |
2014 - 2017 |
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Fielding RFC Hooker |
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Crusaders Hooker |
2013 - 2024 |
