Born in Greymouth on New Year’s Eve 1975, Canterbury first five-eighth Mal Arnold played for the Hurricanes in 1999, with the Crusaders number ten jersey locked up by All Black pivot Andrew Mehrtens.
Arnold was drafted into the Hurricanes as a back-up first five-eighth to David Holwell, making five appearances off the bench, before starting in two of the final four games of the season, against the Chiefs in round eight and the Highlanders in the last round. As a substitute, he kicked a sideline conversion to earn an 18-18 draw with the Crusaders in their match in Christchurch.
Arnold started off in Marlborough, before moving south to Canterbury, where as Mehrtens’ understudy he made 13 appearances for the red and blacks between 1996 and 1998 prior to his Hurricanes season, and another three in 1999. In 2000 he played a season in Southland, spending time at fullback and centre as well as at first five-eighth
Arnold was studying for a commercial pilot’s licence when he played for the Hurricanes.
Which new player will have the biggest impact on the All Blacks in 2010?
