Born: c.1956
Test record: 1 Test (1980) – 0 points
Tours: 1980 tour of Britain and France

Originally from Gisborne, Wellington forward Paul Te Ariki toured Britain and France with the 1980 Kiwis after making his Test debut against Australia earlier that season.

Te Ariki was chosen in the front-row for the 27-6 loss to Australia in the first Test at Carlaw Park but made way for second-rower Tony Coll’s return in the second Test, with Kevin Tamati shifting to prop.

He earned a spot in the touring squad at the end of the year, however, and played nine games in England and France (no Tests).

Te Ariki was a regular at representative level for Central Districts – playing against Great Britain (1979), Australia (1980) and France (1981) – and Wellington.