The charismatic Crusaders lock is not your typical hard-nosed forward - in 2002 he decided to take some time out from the game and went off travelling.

He returned to rugby in 2004 refreshed and raring to go.

He was named for the end-of-year All Blacks tour and showed he is still a world-class lock.

Maxwell has been accused of giving away too many penalties and for being unable to last for a full 80 minutes of Test rugby, but on his day he is one of New Zealand's most complete performers.

A former New Zealand Schools, Under-19, Under-21 and New Zealand Maori representative, Maxwell also played for the Barbarians against South Africa in 2000.

He made his full Test debut against Samoa in 1999.