John Leslie (rugby union)

For other people named John Leslie, see John Leslie (disambiguation).

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 completed a BPhEd at the University of Otago in 1994.

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

Leslie 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, Leslie 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 Leslie to be closer to Scotland, he quit Sanix signing for Newcastle Falcons in England.

In September 2000, Leslie joined Northampton Saints.

After the 2002 Six Nations championship Leslie 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 Leslie retired, playing his last match for Otago.

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