Brendon McCullum grew up in a working-class family in Dunedin. His father, Stuart McCullum, played cricket for Otago. McCullum was a promising rugby player. He captained the first XV at King’s High School. At age 18, he was selected ahead of Dan Carter at fly-half for the South Island Secondary Schools side.
McCullum later joked that he wasn’t better than Carter. He said the selectors were “completely bonkers.” He added that he still sat next to Carter on a plane recently but did not bring it up.
Even when McCullum was in the New Zealand cricket academy and close to a national call-up, he still pursued rugby. Sir Richard Hadlee, the chief selector, heard he had been training with a rugby team. Hadlee called him and told him his chances of a national contract would be jeopardized if he continued. The story goes that Hadlee even contacted McCullum’s friends and told them not to lend him any boots.
Brendon McCullum’s former coach and mentor at King’s High School, Darryl Paterson, described his early days. Paterson said McCullum had incredible self-belief. As a rugby player, he would knock over much bigger guys. He took risks because he was confident. Paterson said you can see that same approach now in how McCullum coaches England.
Paterson added that McCullum was never arrogant. He was all about his teammates. As captain, he had the whole dressing room looking up to him. He would tell them how good they were and never criticized anyone who failed while playing with a positive attitude.
Paterson recalled McCullum playing one game for the third team at age 13 or 14. He hit sixes all over the place on his way to a century and was moved up to the first XI. He was a wicketkeeper-batsman, barely taller than the stumps, and would stand up to fast bowlers. He was also practicing the scoop shot in the nets even back then.
In 2014, just before he became the first New Zealander to score a Test triple-century, McCullum publicly thanked Paterson for his mentorship. Paterson was surprised McCullum took the England job because he is a proud Kiwi.
Paterson said he did not know if Brendon McCullum would have become an All Black, but he would probably have played for Otago. He had a serious dilemma after leaving school. That was until Hadlee told him that if he played rugby on a Saturday, he could wave his cricket contract goodbye.
A Look at Brendon McCullum Diet
One of the most famous stories about Brendon McCullum’s dietary habits comes from his record-breaking Test triple century against India in 2014. McCullum had a personal rule of not eating until his innings was over. During that match, he spent nearly 13 hours at the crease. He survived entirely on sports drinks and protein shakes, which were brought out to him by teammates at 20-minute intervals. He also consumed energy gels and Gatorade.
Off the field, McCullum’s relationship with food and drink is famously unpretentious. He is known to love a casual beer. He is not the type to be seen with expensive champagne and caviar. This attitude extends to his coaching career. He allows players to have a beer after a series win. He wants them to feel the warmth of success. At the same time, he sets boundaries. He once said players could celebrate as long as no one landed on the front page.
As a coach, Brendon McCullum favors a sensible approach to nutrition over strict rules. He reportedly had the team’s nutritionist moved on for banning bacon sandwiches. This suggests he prioritizes player morale and common sense over rigid dietary dogma. He also denied that his England squad has a drinking problem. He said half the players do not drink at all, and others will have a couple of beers every now and again. He trusts his players to enjoy themselves in moderation.
A Look at Brendon McCullum Cars
Public information about Brendon McCullum’s car collection is limited. However, a few specific vehicles have been mentioned over the years.
In 2013, McCullum bought a Citroen DS3 WRC. It was the same model driven by Sébastien Loeb in the 2012 World Rally Championship. He reportedly loved driving it late at night on the Dunedin motorway.
While playing for Warwickshire in 2015, McCullum was offered a VW Tiguan. It was provided by Motorpoint, for use during his time with the Birmingham Bears.
A Look at Brendon McCullum Real Estate
Brendon McCullum’s Christchurch home was sold for more than $3 million. The six-bedroom property in Chapter Street, Merivale, sold for over $3.3 million. The final sum was not disclosed.
McCullum and his wife bought the 664-square-metre property for $3.5 million in 2011. At the time, it had a rateable value of $2.86 million. The current rateable value is $3.53 million.
The house includes six bathrooms and four living areas. The outdoor area features a large entertaining space with an all-weather TV, a fireplace, and a large heated swimming pool. The nine-year-old house was designed by architect David Childs.
The property generated strong interest. The buyers were from Christchurch and were “very happy with the result.” They described it as a good family home.
McCullum was not at the auction. He was playing in the Twenty20 Champions Trophy in India for the Chennai Super Kings. At the time, he received $195,375 a year on a top-tier New Zealand Cricket contract, plus match fees.
FAQs.
Q. Where did Brendon McCullum grow up?
A. McCullum grew up in Dunedin, New Zealand.
Q. What sport did McCullum play before cricket?
A. McCullum was a promising rugby player.
Q. When did McCullum score his Test triple-century?
A. McCullum scored it against India in 2014.
Q. What car was McCullum offered in England?
A. McCullum was offered a VW Tiguan while playing for Warwickshire.
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