Chris Masoe
A ferocious and versatile loose forward from Samoa who became a World Cup-winning stalwart for the All Blacks, known for his devastating physicality.
Born 1979 (age 47)·NZ international rugby union player·Birthday: May 15·Generation X
Biography
Chris Masoe's path to the black jersey was one of relentless, uncompromising force. Born in Savai'i, Samoa, he brought a Pacific Island ferocity to the rugby field, initially making his name in New Zealand's provincial rugby with Wellington. A classic 'hard man' of the game, Masoe was a versatile back-rower who could play across all three positions, specializing as a flanker or number eight. His game was built on explosive power, brutal tackling, and a surprising turn of pace for a man of his build. After strong Super Rugby performances for the Hurricanes and later the Chiefs, he earned his All Blacks debut in 2005. Masoe became a valued member of the squad, contributing to multiple Tri-Nations titles and, most importantly, playing a key role off the bench in the 2011 Rugby World Cup victory on home soil. He finished his career with successful stints in France and Japan, his reputation as one of the game's most feared competitors firmly intact. In a post-rugby twist, he has since tested his toughness in the professional boxing ring.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Chris was born in 1979, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1979
#1 Movie
Kramer vs. Kramer
Best Picture
Kramer vs. Kramer
#1 TV Show
Laverne & Shirley
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1979Born
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1984Started school
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1992Became a teenager
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1995Could drive
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1997Could vote
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Turned 21
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2009Turned 30
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2019Turned 40
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 47 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Rugby World Cup with the New Zealand All Blacks in 2011.
- Lifted the Tri-Nations trophy with New Zealand in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
- Won the Heineken Cup with French club Toulon in 2013.
- Captained the Manawatu Turbos in the New Zealand domestic competition.
- Earned 20 caps for the All Blacks between 2005 and 2007.
Did You Know?
After retiring from rugby, he became a professional boxer, fighting in the heavyweight division.
His brother, Maselino Masoe, is a former professional boxer who held the WBA middleweight title.
He played for three different Super Rugby franchises: the Hurricanes, Chiefs, and Crusaders.
He scored a try on his test debut for the All Blacks against Fiji in 2005.
“You earn the jersey by leaving everything, including your sweat and blood, on the pitch.”
