Anton Oliver

Anton Oliver's greatest accolade is the captaincy of the All Blacks, a role he held in 2001 and 2002. This achievement is made even more remarkable by the fact that his father, Frank Oliver, captained the side in 1978, making them one of the few father-son captaincy combinations in All Blacks history. Oliver's 59 caps place him among the most capped hookers of his era, and his longevity in the demanding position is a testament to his durability and skill.Beyond the field, Oliver's academic achievements set him apart. He completed an MSc at Oxford University, a rare feat for a professional rugby player, and later earned an Executive Master in Business from Otago. In 2012, he was recognized as a distinguished alumnus by the University of Otago's School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, an honour that reflects his contributions both on and off the pitch.