John Leslie (rugby player)

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John Andrew Leslie (born 25 November 1970 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand) is a former rugby union footballer who played at centre for Scotland. He is the elder son of Andy Leslie the great All Blacks captain and the brother of Martin Leslie who also played for Scotland. He was educated at St Patrick's College, Silverstream and Otago University.

John played more than 120 games for Otago and 32 for the Highlanders in the Super 12. He led Otago to the National Provincial Championship tilte in 1998.

John qualified for Scotland through a paternal grandfather and initially joined Glasgow Caledonians, making his international debut along with his brother against South Africa in November 1998. Shortly after his debut, he joined the Fukuoka Sanix Bombs club in Japan.

The Leslie brothers joined a line of New Zealanders to play for Scotland, dubbed the Kilted Kiwis, they include: Brendan Laney, Glenn Metcalfe, Gordon Simpson and Sean Lineen - the original Kilted Kiwi.

In the 1999 Five Nations championship, John scored the fastest ever try against Wales, touching down after ten seconds after the kick-off. He was voted Man of the Tournament.

In January 2000, the SRU were keen for John to be closer to Scotland, he quit Sanix signing for Newcastle Falcons in England.

In September 2000, John joined Northampton Saints.

After the 2002 Six Nations championship John retired from international rugby.

At the end of the 2003/04 season John was released by Northampton Saints, when he returned to Otago and New Zealand.

In October 2004 John retired, playing his last match for Otago.

Since retiring, John co-coaches a team at the Otago University RFC with Josh Kronfeld.