Cortez Ratima is a New Zealand professional rugby player who plays for the All Blacks, the Chiefs and Waikato. Ratima plays as a halfback and is one of the most talented in his position.
Coming through as one of the most talented youngsters, Ratima is an inspiration to New Zealand and Chiefs fans. With veterans like Beauden Barrett nearing the end of their careers, Ratima has big shoes to fill.
However, Cortez has so far lived up to expectations, showing that he can be trusted with the future.
Away from rugby, Cortez Ratima is a family man, as calm and supportive as one would ask for. He is in love with his wife, a father to his kids, and a member of the extended family.
Here we take a close look at Cortez Ratima on both sides: the professional rugby player and the man he is away from rugby.
FAST FACTS
Full Name: Cortez-Lee Peter Ratima
Date of birth: 22 March 2001
Age: 24
Father: Peter Lee Ratima.
Mother: Sarah Ratima
Place of birth: Piopio, New Zealand
Height: 1.79 m
Weight: 87 kg
Wife: Phillipa Hokianga
Position: Halfback
CORTEZ RATIMA’S BACKGROUND
Born in Piopio, in New Zealand, Cortez grew up on a beef and sheep farm. His name, Cortez, came from the famous Nike shoe that was his father’s favourite.
He enrolled at Piopio Primary School and College, where he began to show his athleticism. He later enrolled at New Plymouth Boys’ High School in Taranaki before moving to Hamilton.
Cortez enrolled at Hamilton Boys’ High School in Waikato, where he showed his top-level talent. He played for Waikato in several age groups and joined the Waikato Rugby Academy aged 17. Ratima later demonstrated his quality, playing for the Waikato Chiefs U18S and the New Zealand Māori U18S.
He continued to impress as he developed his talent until it became impossible to ignore him at the senior level.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Cortez Ratima became a massive and essential player, one of the finest in the Waikato’s 2021 National Provincial campaign. This fine form led to his debut for the Gallagher Chiefs the following season against the Crusaders.
With an excellent ball in hand and speed, Ratima immediately became one of the first names in the team. Since then, he has proved instrumental, with a high level of passing accuracy, and secured his place in the squad during the 2023 season, playing every game.
After the 2023 season, his performances made him one of the finest halfbacks the All Blacks could not ignore.
ALL BLACKS CAREER
Thanks to his exceptional 2023 season with the Chiefs, Cortez Ratima received his national team call. He went on to make his All Blacks debut against England at Eden Park in 2024. He impressed and started against Fiji in San Diego.
His decent performances earned him a place in the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship squad. Since then, Ratima had been around the All Blacks squad fighting for his place.
Unfortunately, he suffered a serious rib injury in 2025 that sidelined him for some considerable time. Come 2026, he is fit and raring to go. One thing is for sure: if Cortez Ratima stays fit and focused, he will reach milestones by the end of his career.
CORTEZ RATIMA’S AGE, AND FAMILY (PARENTS)
Born on 22 March 2001, Cortez Ratima turned 24 years in March 2026. The talented was born into a sports family that understands rugby in and out.
His father, Peter-Lee Ratima, was a professional rugby player himself. Peter-Lee played for King Country. Coming through as a player, he knows a lot and played a big part in Cortez’s development. After rugby, he went into farming in the Waitanguru and Mairoa districts.
He also took a job as a coach in Ōtorohanga, an experience that helped him develop professionally.
Cortez Ratima’s mother, Sarah Ratima, had also been close to him, supporting him. With these two and other family members, they provided an excellent platform for Ratoima to succeed as a professional rugby player.
CORTEZ RATIMA’S WIFE
Besides his family, who are always behind him and supporting him, he is also a man deeply rooted in love. Ratima is married to Phillipa Hokianga, the woman behind his heart.
The couple are blessed with their firstborn baby, daughter Kyvie, who was born in 2023. ON 7 December 2025, the couple announced that they are expecting their second baby. They also revealed that the baby is a boy.