Matt Faddes

Matt Faddes (born 6 November 1991) is a New Zealand rugby union player who currently plays as a centre, wing or fullback for Otago.

Early career

Born in the town of Balclutha, located halfway between Dunedin and Invercargill on New Zealand's South Island, Faddes was educated at South Otago High School in his hometown.

Professional career

Faddes first played provincial rugby for Otago in 2011 ITM Cup, debuting against . He made two appearances in total in 2011 and two more the following year before playing 7 times and scoring 2 tries in 2013 to help the Razorbacks finish 2nd on the Championship log and reach the playoff semi-finals where his 12th minute try was unable to stop them from bowing out 24-29 at home to .

He only saw action once in 2014, but in 2015 his career in the 15-man game really began to take off. Having previously played mostly as an outside back, he largely featured as a centre for Otago in 2015 and it was a move that paid off with him scoring 6 tries in 10 games as they reached the Championship playoffs before being comprehensively defeated by . He continued to be a key player for the Razorbacks in 2016, contributing 3 tries in 11 games as the men from Dunedin topped the Championship standings before surprisingly losing at home by in the play off final, a defeat which consigned them to another season of Championship rugby in 2017.

Following the unfortunate defeat Faddes decided to try his hand at a different field, Accounting at the University of Otago.

Super Rugby

Excellent showings in the midfield for Otago during the 2015 ITM Cup saw Faddes earn a Super Rugby contract with the Dunedin-based ahead of the 2016 season. He made a dream start to life as a Super Rugby player scoring 10 tries in 16 games, including a hat-trick against the which put him second, behind Israel Folau of the in the try scoring charts. His side, the Highlanders, were defending Super Rugby champions in 2016, however they were unable to hold on to their title and were eliminated by the in the semi-finals, losing 42-30 with Faddes' 48th minute try scored in vain.

Move to Ulster

Faddes moved to Northern Ireland to join Ulster ahead of the 2019–20 season, and has played both in the Pro14 and European Rugby Champions Cup.

Faddes returned to Otago in 2021.

Career honours

All Blacks Sevens

IRB Sevens World Series 2012–13

Super Rugby statistics

Season Team Games Starts Sub Mins Tries Cons Pens Drops Points Yel Red 2016 16 13 3 1043 10 0 0 0 50 1 0 2017 11 5 6 574 6 0 0 0 30 1 0 2018 8 1 7 204 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2019 8 7 1 555 3 0 0 0 15 0 0Total 43 26 17 2376 19 0 0 0 95 2 0