Kevin Senio

Kevin Senio
Senio training for Clermont
Full name Kevin Senio
Date of birth 6 July 1978 (1978-07-06) (age 33)
Place of birth Auckland, New Zealand
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight 90 kg (14 st 2 lb)
Rugby union career
Playing career
Position Half-back
New Zealand No. 1058
Professional / senior clubs
Years Club / team Caps (points)
2007–2009
2009–
Castres
Clermont
42
58
(10)
(20)
Provincial/State sides
Years Club / team Caps (points)
2001
2002

2003-2005
2006-2007
Auckland
Counties Manukau
Bay of Plenty
Canterbury
9
8

22
17
(-)
(-)

(-)
(-)
Super Rugby
Years Club / team Caps (points)
2003–2005
2006–2007
Chiefs
Crusaders
9
25
(0)
(10)
National team(s)
Years Club / team Caps (points)
2005 New Zealand 1 (0)

Kevin Senio is a New Zealand rugby union professional who currently plays for ASM Clermont Auvergne. Senio is also a former All Black, making his debut after coming on for Piri Weepu against Australia in New Zealand's 34–24 win in the final match of the 2005 Tri Nations Series and is currently a Junior All Black. That is Senio's only test thus far into his career. During his time at Bay of Plenty, Senio played in a tour match against the British and Irish Lions.

Senio signed a two year deal with the Canterbury Rugby Football Union (CRFU) on 26 September 2005, making him eligible to play for the Crusaders, after former Canterbury and Crusaders half-back, Justin Marshall, left to play in England following the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand. Senio also left after playing second fiddle to starting Chiefs' half-back, Byron Kelleher, who is also an All Black. Many were surprised by Senio's decision to leave Bay of Plenty (BoP), especially after he told his team mates that he was to stay with the province. BoP received $50,000 NZD from the CRFU because of Senio's All Black status.

Senio was expected to be the Crusaders first choice scrum-half in the 2006 Super 14 season. After being the starting scrum-half for the first part of the season, Senio found himself relegated to the bench, behind rookie Andrew Ellis who forced his way into the starting line up. However, Ellis was injured in the semi-final against the Bulls and Senio found himself starting the 2006 Super 14 Final against the Hurricanes. Senio was the Crusaders only half-back for the match, as coach Robbie Deans opted not to select 3rd choice half-back Matt France. This meant that if Senio was injured, Dan Carter would move from fly-half to half-back. The day after the final, Senio was selected for the Junior All Blacks to play in the inaugural Pacific Five Nations tournament.

Senio is married to Silver Fern Anna Senio and is brother to CS Bourgoin-Jallieu scrum-half John Senio. Senio is also the brother of Dimitri Senio, who plays rugby union in France for SC Albi.

References