Taylor Howden we caught up with Taylz at Rugbytown 7s earlier this summer, but since then he’s recently inked a deal with the Houston SaberCats for the 2020 season. Taylor has had a massive playing career, from Auckland to Denver, Ohio, New Orleans and everywhere in between, he’s truly put a massive effort in growing the game here in the US. He is the one among few that has the ability to coach and play simultaneously, and continues to do so on the grassroots level no matter what city he’s currently residing in … Uncle Johnny and Logan brought the spice as usual, but Taylor was great and we wish him the best in 2020 with Houston!

Taylor played his high school rugby in Auckland, "doing the dirty" and transferring from Mount Albert Grammar School (MAGS) to Auckland Grammar. Auckland Grammar has a long history of All Blacks...

Auckland Grammar All Black List

Ben Atiga

Ces Badeley

Vic Badeley

John Drake

Grant Fox

Graham Henry (AB coach)

Doug Howlett

Akira Ioane

Rieko Ionae

Benson Stanley

Jeremy Stanlet

Kel Tremain

Wilson Whineray (former AB captain and prominent businessman)

Taylor would eventually move from Auckland, to Texas, to Denver CO (where he would spend many years with the Denver Barbarians) to Columbus OH. He led the Ohio Aviators in a memorable PRO Rugby season (which ended ... well, how it ended). He was heavily involved with Tiger Rugby and ran their youth academy while living in Columbus, and continues to put it forward each day and grow the game.

Top 3 Kiwi’s you’ve played with (XV’s)

Jaime MaCintosh - Ohio Aviators

Dan Pryor - Auckland Blues

Za Lawrence - AB 7s

Grayson Hart - Bedford Blues (just missed)

Top 3 Americans you’ve played with (XV’s)

Ata and Nese Malifa

Perry Baker

Peter Tiberio

Culture:

Intro - Calvin Harris - Funk Wade Bounce - Slide

Outtro - Rollin - Calvin Harris