Isaac Ross

Isaac Beattie Ross (born 27 October 1984) is a New Zealand rugby union player. He plays in the lock position for the San Diego Legion of Major League Rugby (MLR) competition in the U.S.

Professional career Ross is of Māori descent, and played for New Zealand Māori between 2007 and 2010. He affiliates to Ngāti Kahungunu.

Ross was selected for the All Blacks in 2009. He comes from a rugby family: his father, Jock Ross, played for the All Blacks, and his mother, Christine Ross, was a member of the Black Ferns.

Ross began his professional rugby career in New Zealand, representing Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship from 2006 to 2010, making 53 appearances and scoring 13 tries.

He played Super Rugby from 2006 to 2011, representing the Crusaders, Highlanders, and Chiefs, with 43 appearances and 4 tries.

Due to the cancellation of the 2020 Top League season in Japan, Ross returned to New Zealand to play for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup. He helped the Mako win their premiership title, making it his fourth provincial rugby title in New Zealand.

In 2021, Ross moved to the United States to play in Major League Rugby. He joined the Austin Gilgronis as a player and forwards coach, making 46 appearances and scoring 4 tries across two seasons. When the Austin franchise folded, he signed with the San Diego Legion, finishing his professional playing career there in 2024, contributing to the team reaching the MLR final.

Ross also had a long stint in Japan with NTT Shining Arcs from 2011 to 2020, making 89 appearances and scoring 9 tries.

Early life

Isaac Ross's talent was obvious from an early age and after starring in the Timaru Boys' High School top side, he played for the national secondary schools and age group sides before having the first of his 53 games for Canterbury in 2006.

Ross had an exceptional rugby pedigree. His father, Jock, a stalwart of Mid Canterbury, for whom he played more than 100 games, and also a lock and lineout expert, was an All Black tourist to France and Romania in 1981, while his mother, Christine, played for the Black Ferns.

Super Rugby

Ross played Super Rugby in New Zealand from 2006 to 2011, representing the Crusaders, Highlanders, and Chiefs.

He has also worked in television, appearing as a sports presenter on the New Zealand children's program The Erin Simpson Show and as a reporter on Māori Television. https://www.odt.co.nz/sport/rugby/rugby-ross-counter-matfield-magic

On a personal note, Ross is a father of four and is a qualified wedding celebrant.