Michael Paterson is a former rugby union player who played as a lock or blindside flanker. He played for the Cardiff Blues in the Pro12 league, as well as Sale Sharks and Northampton Saints in Premiership Rugby. Paterson has represented the New Zealand under 21s but did not gain a cap for the All Blacks. Before moving to Cardiff, Paterson was considered by many to be a strong contender to join the New Zealand squad.