Steven Paul Bates (born 16 January 1980 in Auckland, New Zealand) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer, whose usual position is at Number 8. He played for Waikato at provincial level and the Chiefs in the Super 14. Bates made the traditional All Blacks route to the top with appearances for New Zealand Secondary Schools, New Zealand U-19 and the U-21s, during this time he played Rugby league and was good enough to be selected for the Warriors U-19s. He has only played one test so far for his nation (v Italy 2004). Currently, Bates resides in Fuchu, Japan with Top League team Toshiba Brave Lupus under Australian coach Joe Barakat, with other New Zealand players Richard Kahui and David Hill. Notes and references See also New Zealand national rugby union team Chiefs Waikato 1980 births Living people Rugby union number eights New Zealand rugby union players New Zealand international rugby union players Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo players Rugby union players from Auckland New Zealand expatriate rugby union players Expatriate rugby union players in Japan New Zealand expatriate sportspeople in Japan Chiefs (rugby union) players Auckland rugby union players Waikato rugby union players People educated at Kelston Boys' High School