 In 1979, he was selected for the 1979 North Island Under-18 team and the following year made his Taranaki debut as an 18-year-old, playing variously at fullback, wing, and second five eight.He also appeared for the New Zealand Colts team in 1980, and again the following two seasons.After a New Zealand trial in 1982 and playing for the North Island, in 1983 Kieran Crowley came into the All Black side for their 1983 British Isles tour.