Daniel Rona (born 10 April 2000) is a New Zealand rugby union player, currently playing for the Chiefs and Taranaki. His preferred position is centre.[1]

Daniel Rona
Date of birth (2000-04-10) 10 April 2000 (age 24)
Place of birthNew Zealand
Height187 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight94 kg (207 lb; 14 st 11 lb)
Notable relative(s)Curtis Rona (brother)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
Current team Chiefs / Taranaki
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2020– Taranaki 27 (25)
2023– Chiefs 22 (50)
Correct as of 16 June 2024

Early career

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A concreter by trade, Rona originally started out as a halfback for Clifton Rugby Club, before moving to centre.[2]

Professional career

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Rona was named in the Taranaki squad for the 2020 Mitre 10 Cup, 2021 Bunnings NPC and 2022 Bunnings NPC.[3] He joined the Chiefs in the pre-season of 2023,[4] before signing a 30-day training contract with the side in March 2023.[5] He made his debut for the Chiefs in Round 3 of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season against the Highlanders.[6] He signed a full-time deal with the Chiefs in May 2023 through to 2026.[7]

Personal life

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Rona is a New Zealander of Māori descent (Te Ātiawa descent).[8]

References

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  1. ^ "Daniel Rona". Ultimate Rugby. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  2. ^ "Super Rugby Pacific: Concreter Daniel Rona hoping to cement his spot at Chiefs". Stuff.co.nz. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  3. ^ "Settled Taranaki squad named for NPC". Stuff.co.nz. 15 July 2022. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  4. ^ "Pre-season underway with wider training squad" (Press release). Chiefs. 8 December 2022. Retrieved 8 December 2022.
  5. ^ "Daniel Rona lays foundations with the Chiefs". All Blacks. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  6. ^ "Gallagher Chiefs motivated for first game at home" (Press release). Chiefs. 8 March 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  7. ^ "Super Rugby Pacific: Breakout Chiefs star Daniel Rona earns fulltime contract". Stuff.co.nz. 23 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
  8. ^ "Revealed: 28-strong Māori All Blacks squad named for Japan tour". Te Ao Māori News. 24 June 2024. Retrieved 8 September 2024.
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