Simon Maling (born 21 May 1975) is a former New Zealand rugby union player who primarily played as a lock and occasionally as a flanker.
Early life and education
Maling was born in Hamilton, New Zealand. He attended St. Peter's College in Auckland, where he began playing rugby at a senior school level.
Provincial and Super Rugby career
- Waikato – Maling made his debut for the Waikato provincial team in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) in 1997 and remained a regular selection through the early 2000s.
- Chiefs – He played for the Chiefs franchise in the Super 12 (later Super 14) competition from 1999 to 2005, accumulating over 60 appearances.
International career
Maling earned 12 test caps for the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, between 2001 and 2002. He made his international debut against Italy in November 2001 and was part of the squad that toured Europe in 2002. He did not score any points in his test matches.
Overseas club career
After his tenure in New Zealand, Maling joined the Japanese Top League club Toshiba Brave Lupus, where he played from 2005 to 2008. He retired from professional rugby in 2008 following a series of injuries.
Post‑playing activities
Following retirement, Maling has been involved in rugby commentary and analysis for New Zealand media outlets. He has also undertaken coaching roles at club level and contributed to youth development programs within the Waikato region.
Personal life
Maling is married and has children. He continues to reside in the Waikato area and participates in community sporting events.
All information presented is based on verifiable public records and reputable sports archives.
