Richard Buckman
Introduction '''Richard Buckman''' (born 27 May 1989) is a New Zealand rugby union player, who currently plays as a midfield back, wing or fullback for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One competition.
Early life Buckman was born in Palmerston North, and went to Argyll School. In 2002, he was the Ross Shield player of the tournament. In 2004, he was selected for the Central Districts Under 15 Rugby League side and was a standout player. He attended Napier Boys' High School and was a member of their 1st XV.
Rugby career Buckman plays his club rugby for Napier Technical and was a member of the 2008  Magpies Wider Training Group. He made his debut off the bench for the Magpies against  at Carisbrook. In 2009, he was named in the squad and got his first start against . In 2011, he made his debut off the bench for the .
2009 season Buckman came close to being selected for the New Zealand side for the Under-20 World Cup. He was named in the Blackbirds team and mainly used off the bench. He was selected for two starts, one against Southland at Rugby Park in Invercargill and the second in the semi-final against  at AMI Stadium in Christchurch.
2011 season In January 2011, Buckman was selected for the  Wider Training Group. He played in all but one of the Hurricanes Development Team games and was then called up to train with the full squad at the end of April. On 4 June 2011, he make his debut off the bench as replacement for winger Hosea Gear at the end of the match against the Lions at Westpac Stadium in Wellington.
References
External links *  NZ Rugby History profile*  Japan Rugby Football Union profile*  itsrugby.co.uk profile