Richard Buckman

Richard Buckman (born 27 May 1989) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who currently plays as a midfield back, wing or fullback for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One competition.

Early life

Buckman was born in Palmerston North, and went to Argyll School. In 2002, he was the Ross Shield player of the tournament. In 2004, he was selected for the Central Districts Under 15 Rugby League side and was a standout player. He attended Napier Boys' High School and was a member of their 1st XV.

Rugby career

Buckman plays his club rugby for Napier Technical and was a member of the 2008 Magpies Wider Training Group. He made his debut off the bench for the Magpies against at Carisbrook. In 2009, he was named in the squad and got his first start against . In 2011, he made his debut off the bench for the [.

2009 season

Buckman came close to being selected for the New Zealand side for the Under-20 World Cup. He played in all but one of the Hurricanes Development Team games and was then called up to train with the full squad at the end of April. On 4 June 2011, he make his debut off the bench as replacement for winger Hosea Gear at the end of the match against the Lions at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.