Brett Iti

Brett Iti
BornBrett Peter Iti
(1965-03-28) 28 March 1965
Wellington, New Zealand
Rugby union career
Position Half-back
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1985 Waikato 6 (0)
1986 Bay of Plenty 4 (16)
1987–95 Auckland 37 (96)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1986–90 New Zealand Maori 14 (60)
Rugby league career
Playing information
PositionScrum-half
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
1990–93 Bradford Northern 52 18 0 0 72
1993 Carlisle (loan) 5 3 0 0 12
Total 57 21 0 0 84
Source: [1][2]

Brett Peter Iti (born 28 March 1965) is a New Zealand former rugby union and rugby league footballer who played as a half-back.

Rugby union

Iti was a New Zealand Maori representative, and played 14 games for the team between 1986 and 1990.[3] In 1988, he scored six tries for the Maori team against Argentinian team Rosario.[4]

After his contract with Bradford Northern expired, Iti sought a return to rugby union. After initially being granted permission by the New Zealand Rugby Football Union (NZRFU), the decision was later overruled by the International Rugby Board, who banned him from playing due to his professional stint in rugby league.[5] However, the NZRFU later defied the ruling, and reinstated Iti in 1994, believing that the ban was not legally enforceable.[6]

Rugby league

In July 1990, Iti switched codes to rugby league, signing a three-year contract with Bradford Northern.[7] He made his first start for the club in September 1990, scoring two tries in a 20–24 loss against St Helens.[8] Later that season, he played for Bradford in their 2–12 defeat against Warrington in the 1990–91 Regal Trophy final.

In 1993, Iti spent time on loan at Carlisle.[9]

Personal life

Iti's younger brother, Clarry, was also a rugby player, and played rugby league for Featherstone Rovers during the 1990–91 season.[10]

References

  1. ^ "Brett Iti - Playing Career". Rugby League Project. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  2. ^ "Player Summary: Brett Iti". Rugby League Records. Rugby League Record Keepers Club. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  3. ^ "Brett Peter Iti". NZ Rugby History. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  4. ^ "Iti's six tries". The Press. Christchurch. 15 November 1988. p. 21.
  5. ^ "Iti's reinstatement ruled out by IRB". The Press. Christchurch. 2 April 1994. p. 76.
  6. ^ "Tonks expects backlash from IRB over Iti". The Press. Christchurch. 1 July 1994. p. 37.
  7. ^ "Northern Sign Kiwi". Telegraph & Argus. Bradford. 7 July 1990. p. 36 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ "Botica bounces back with stylish display". The Press. Christchurch. 18 September 1990. p. 28.
  9. ^ "On-loan Iti's Cup spying mission". Telegraph & Argus. Bradford. 17 February 1993. p. 35 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Another Iti breaks the code to join Featherstone". The Guardian. London. 17 October 1990. p. 17 – via Newspapers.com.