Career
Hardie predominantly plays as an open side flanker, though he is also comfortable on the blindside. Provincial Rugby
As a student of Southland Boys High School he was in the first XV for three years from 2004 to 2006 earning New Zealand Secondary Schools selection in his final year. He made his Southland debut in 2007 against Otago, and emerged as a full-time starter during the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup, appearing in every match and scoring three tries.
Super Rugby
Based on his strong performance in the 2009 Air New Zealand Cup, Hardie was included in the Highlanders squad for the 2010 Super 14 season.
Serving mainly as backup to starting flankers Adam Thomson and Alando Soakai, he made 11 appearances over the course of the 13 game season, including three starts. In 2012, with the departure of Soakai to Japan, Hardie emerged as the starting openside flanker, but was sidelined with a serious toe injury.
While the Highlanders had a poor 2013, Hardie was one of the teams outstanding performers, leading the team in tackles completed, pilfers and runs made. Hardie is contracted for the 2015 Super 15 with the Highlanders.
International career
John Hardie made a highly successful international debut for Scotland on the 22 August 2015, in a World Cup warm-up game against Italy in Turin.
Playing Style
John Hardie is a dynamic back-row player, who excels defensively.