Keightley Watson
| Born | 17 May 2001 Whanganui, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Height | 197 cm (6 ft 6 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 141 kg (311 lb; 22 st 3 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Whanganui High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Keightley Watson (born 17 May 2001) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who plays for the Chiefs. His preferred position is prop.
Early career
Watso was born in Whanganui and attended Whanganui High School, where he originally partook in judo. A former Olympic hopeful, Watson earned two 'black belts' before turning his attention to rugby after leaving school. He plays his club rugby for Southern, and also played in the Heartland Championship.
Professional career
Watson has represented Taranaki in the National Provincial Championship since 2025, being named in their squad for the 2026 Hilux NPC competition. In October 2026, he was named in the Chiefs wider training group for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.
References
- ↑ "Keightley Watson". Ultimate Rugby. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ "Taranaki prop's rapid rise in rugby follows decorated judo career". Taranaki Daily News. 5 September 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ "Injury brings Keightley Watson home from judo training in Holland". Whanganui Chronicle. 4 April 2018. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ "Whanganui judoka Keightley Watson on podium in Taipei and in the frame for Olympic selection". Whanganui Chronicle. 7 August 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ "Judo Championships: Watson ends season on a high". Whanganui Chronicle. 5 October 2017. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ "Whanganui teenage judo sensation Keightley Watson makes New Zealand judo history". Whanganui Chronicle. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ "Super Rugby players available for first Ranfurly Shield match". Taranaki Daily Times. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ "Semifinalits confirmed in the Bunnings Heartland Championship". All Blacks. 8 October 2022. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ "Yarrows Taranaki Bulls name 2026 Hilux NPC squad". Taranaki Rugby (Press release). 12 July 2026. Retrieved 10 November 2026.
- ↑ "Gallagher Chiefs 2027 Wider Training Group". Chiefs (Press release). 29 October 2026. Retrieved 29 October 2026.
External links
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