A product of the famous Canterbury Rugby Academy, he enjoyed a successful three-year spell with Otago in the ITM Cup competition, helping them lift the Ranfurly Shield in 2013 with a 26-19 victory over Waikato.

At the end of that season, he moved to England to play for London Scottish where Exiles’ then director of rugby Mike Friday described him as: “A proven performer and a player with a great rugby brain who reads the game really well.”

A brief return to play in the NPC with Southland followed, before he returned to London last year and now he finds himself in the OEs’ hot seat:

Welcome Kieran, could you tell us a bit about your rugby background in New Zealand?
KM: I started off at university in Christchurch and was part of the Canterbury Rugby Academy. I played my age group reps including the Under-19 and U21 sides, and graduated into the Crusaders Development squad before making my way south to Otago. I've been very blessed with the players I have lined up alongside. A lot have since gone on to become All Blacks.

You were part of the Otago side that won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 56 years in 2013. What are your memories of that game?
“What an experience – it was the best week of my life! Old men were in tears after the game thanking us. Thousands of people greeted us in the airport once we got home. I remember how tense the last 10 minutes were. We had to retain our lead, and they were into everything. Just one of those surreal moments.

Was the Ranfurly Shield triumph the high point of your career so far?
Cracking professional rugby will always be a great memory, having working so hard for so long for it to finally happen. Then the following week winning the Ranfurly Shield.

And the best player you have played against?
Too hard to answer, there have been some great players. For me it’s about enjoyment of the game, and there’s nothing I enjoy more than chucking on the boots alongside my brother Ryan, and covering all the tackles he isn’t willing to make!

You were described by the New Zealand press as The Intercept King of New Zealand Provincial rugby in 2015 when you were playing for Southland?
Ha, yeah it’s because my shoulder was stuffed so it was easier to intercept than to tackle with it! That’s only half the truth - our game plan was to apply pressure from the outside, I was just part of a great system and bagged a few tries in the process!

When did you decide to move to England?
I came over in 2013 at the end of the trophy-winning season with Otago to sign for London Scottish. I was keen to stay on. However, family reasons meant I needed to be home. Last year, my fiancé said "I'm moving to London with or without you", so I finished my rugby contract and flew out!

How did the move to Elthamians come about?
I played with Adam Preocanin at Scottish, we bonded over coffee and mutual anger towards dictatorships. Now, I follow the big Serbian into battle wherever he goes.

What are your personal aims for the new season?
I don’t want to be a passenger. I’m here to make a difference. I also want to enjoy my experience here on and off the pitch, surrounded by good people.

FACT FILE
Age: 28
Position: Centre
Former Clubs: Taieri Eels, Otago, Southland Stags, London Scottish
Representative honours: Three Premiership titles in Dunedin, 2013 Ranfurly Shield winner