The Paekakariki Express: Why Christian Cullen Belongs in the Super Rugby Legends XV
Electric pace, fearless counterattacks, and unforgettable brilliance made Christian Cullen one of rugby’s most iconic full-backs — and a true Super Rugby legend.
NEW ZEALAND, UNITED KINGDOM — As Super Rugby Pacific celebrates three decades of breathtaking rugby, one name continues to spark passionate debate among fans and pundits: Christian Cullen. Known affectionately as the Paekakariki Express, the former Hurricanes fullback remains one of the most exhilarating players the competition has ever seen. With voting underway for the official Super Rugby Legends XV, many believe it is unthinkable to leave Cullen out of the starting lineup.
Cullen burst onto the professional scene in 1996 as a 20-year-old prodigy. In an era when Super Rugby was still finding its feet, he brought a level of attacking brilliance that left defences breathless. Over 85 appearances for the Hurricanes, he scored an astonishing 56 tries, a record at the time that cemented his status as one of the deadliest finishers in the game.
His running style was unique: a smooth, gliding stride that disguised explosive acceleration. Opponents often described the feeling of watching him receive the ball in open space as “a moment of panic.” Cullen didn’t just beat defenders — he made them look foolish, stepping off either foot with perfect timing and accelerating away before they could recover.
In his debut Super 12 season, Cullen scored seven tries in nine matches. The following year, he raised the bar with 11 tries in 10 games, powering the Hurricanes to their first semi-final. Peaks like 10 tries in 2000 and eight in 2003 showcased his remarkable consistency. Beyond the numbers, it was the manner of his tries scorching counterattacks, audacious side-steps from fullback, and clinical finishing, that turned casual fans into lifelong supporters.
Cullen’s influence extended far beyond club level. His 46 tries in 58 Tests for the All Blacks made him the record try-scorer at the time, and his sevens exploits further highlighted his freakish talent. Yet it was in the black and yellow of the Hurricanes where the “Paekakariki Express” nickname was truly born.
At a recent Legends XV promotional event in Wellington, Cullen addressed the media with his trademark humility mixed with quiet pride.
Cullen said in a Press Conference.
In a separate virtual press conference hosted by Super Rugby Pacific, former Hurricanes coach and current selector panel member Mark Hammett made a strong case for Cullen’s inclusion.
“Look, we’ve had some incredible fullbacks in Super Rugby — Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, even the current stars. But when you talk about foundational impact in the first decade, Christian stands alone. He made fullback a genuinely attacking position before most teams even thought about it. The Express wasn’t just fast — he was intelligent, clinical, and he terrified opposition coaches every single week. He belongs in that XV. Full stop.” Hammett said in a Press Conference.
As voting continues, the argument for Cullen is clear. He wasn’t just a product of his time — he helped define it. In an increasingly structured and professional game, Cullen represented pure, instinctive rugby joy. His ability to turn nothing into something special from the backfield influenced an entire generation of attacking fullbacks who followed.
Whether or not he makes the final Legends XV, one thing is certain: the Paekakariki Express left an indelible mark on Super Rugby. For fans lucky enough to have watched him in full flight, he remains unforgettable — a blur of black and yellow, gliding toward the try-line with the wind in his favour.
The Express may no longer be running, but its legacy continues at full throttle.