Matt Todd
A relentless openside flanker whose work rate and consistency made him the backbone of the champion Crusaders and All Blacks squads.
Born 1988 (age 38)·NZ international rugby union player·Birthday: March 24·Millennials
Biography
Matt Todd's rugby story is one of unwavering grit and understated excellence. Not always the flashiest name on the team sheet, the openside flanker built a career on doing the hard, unseen work with ruthless efficiency. He spent his entire professional career with the Crusaders in Super Rugby, becoming a fixture in the number seven jersey and a key component of their dynasty. His tireless tackling, breakdown prowess, and ability to secure turnover ball made him indispensable. While his international opportunities with the All Blacks were limited by the era of Richie McCaw and Sam Cane, his 25 test caps were earned through pure performance, often as a devastating impact player off the bench. After retiring as a player, he seamlessly transitioned into coaching, bringing the same detailed, hard-nosed understanding of the game's dark arts to the Crusaders' staff, ensuring his philosophy of relentless pressure continues to influence the next generation.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Matt was born in 1988, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Matt Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Matt's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Turned 21
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
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won seven Super Rugby titles with the Crusaders as a player (2008, 2017-2020, 2022-2023).
- Earned 25 caps for the New Zealand All Blacks between 2013 and 2019.
- Played over 150 matches for the Crusaders, becoming one of the franchise's most loyal servants.
Did You Know?
He was named New Zealand Rugby's Age Grade Player of the Year in 2008.
He captained the New Zealand Under-20 team to a world championship title in 2008.
He played his entire professional career for a single club, the Crusaders.
“The breakdown is won by the man who wants it more.”
