Eaton made his provincial debut for Manawatu in 2002, before transferring to Taranaki in 2004.
He was picked out of obscurity by Graham Henry to tour with the All Blacks on their successful Grand Slam Tour of November 2005.
At the time, Eaton had not played professional super series rugby. He made his All Black debut aged 23, versus Ireland on that tour.
On 21 November 2006 Jason Eaton won the International Rugby Players' Association's (IRPA) international newcomer of the year award. This award is voted on by all international players, with players not allowed to vote for members of their own team.
Eaton, who won 15 caps for the All Blacks, joined La Rochelle from NTT Shining Arcs in Japan having started his career with the Hurricanes in Super Rugby.
An ever present in his side's run to the knock-out stages of the Challenge Cup this season, he has played 67 games in two seasons at La Rochelle before re-singing on a one-year deal in March 2017.
Eaton announced his retirement at the end of the 2017/18 season due to concussion issues.
The former All Black has since taken up a role as one of La Rochelle's coaches ahead of the 2018/19 season.
JW July 18
Career
 |
Manawatu No 4 Lock |
2002 - 2003 |
 |
New Zealand No 4 Lock |
2005 - 2009 |
 |
Hurricanes No 4 Lock |
2006 - 2013 |
 |
Taranaki No 4 Lock |
2005 - 2016 |
 |
La Rochelle Coach |
2014 - 2018 |
