Andrew Miller (rugby player)

Andrew (Andy) Miller (born 1975) is a New Zealander who first made his name playing rugby union at fly half for Kobe Steel Kobelco Steelers, and then in the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup playing for the Japan national rugby union team. His kicking, passing, running and tackling - all the basic skills in fact - were first rate and much admired at the World Cup. Miller showed clearly that he has a good rugby brain and initiated many attacks, thus repaying the faith of the national coach Shogo Mukai. During the tournament, Miller scored a sensational 52-metre drop goal from inside his own half of the pitch against Fiji.

Andy Miller was one of four foreigners to play for Japan in 2003. (The other three were Adam Parker, George Konia of NEC Green Rockets and Reuben Parkinson of Fukuoka Sanix Blues.)

Miller made his debut for the Canterbury Crusaders in the inaugural Super 12 competition in 1996. Although the Crusaders finished last, he believed an All Black call-up was not out of the question. But he failed to make a Super 12 side the following year, and he and his family relocated to Japan, where he faced the lengthy qualification process to play for the national team. (The IRB regulations require a minimum three years residence.)

Miller returned to New Zealand and played for Southland in Division One of the National Provincial Championship (NPC) in the 2004-5 season. But he has since come back to Japan and has joined NTT DoCoMo Kansai, which will probably allow him to challenge for Japan national honours again.

External links

* [http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/18/1066364537378.html?oneclick=true Miller's career blossoms after Japan move] - Rugby Heaven, October 19, 2003
* [http://www.games.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2003/10/26/srjapa26.xml Japan show size is not everything] - Electronic Telegraph, October 26, 2003