The Jackie Ruru Shield memorialises Jack Hames Ruru, who was a rising talent on the New Zealand rugby stage. He was a ‘true sportsman and a true gentleman’. He died on the field in 1934. He was only 24.
The remarkable story of Jackie Ruru is inextricably linked to the history of New Zealand rugby and politics. The shield itself has its own rich history of hard fought battles on the playing field.
Today, the social teams of the Old Boys University Club compete for the Jackie Ruru Shield (aka the Ruru). As the holders will tell you, it’s the symbol of social rugby supremacy and that there’s just something about the Ruru that stirs the blood.
The current holders of the Ruru are the Pink Ginners.
Ruru Shield rules
The story of Jackie Ruru
| "All the joy of a successful season has been lost for us by the terrible news on September 2 that Jack Ruru had lost his life. As a member of our Senior team for four years and our brilliant captain for this season he had been largely responsible for bringing our club once more to a leading place in Wellington football. He had by his brilliant play and gentlemanly bearing won the admiration of all Wellington footballers and the affection of his own teammates. [He was] the finest of footballers and the fairest of sportsmen. For one thing alone we can find no consolation - the death of Jack Ruru, captain of the First Fifteen. To his people we can only say that his death was as saddening a blow to his fellow students at Victoria College as it was to the members of his family. In the years he has been with us at Victoria he had, by his ever brilliant play and gentlemanly bearing, won the admiration of his own team-mates. May his spirit journey safely to Hawai-iki." |
- Obituary from the Victoria College Review, 1934
Jack Hames Ruru was born at Te Karaka, near Turanga (Gisborne) on the seventeenth of July 1910. Ruru was educated at Te Aute College where Maori students were imbued with a sense of racial pride and encouraged to promote and participate in the social and cultural regeneration of Maori. Inspired by Maori political leader, Sir Apirana Ngata, these aims arose in response to the economic, social and cultural deprivation experienced by many Maori communities during the early decades of the twentieth century. His attempts to instill a sense of pride, unity and identity amongst Maori marked Ngata as a role model to aspiring Maori leaders at Te Aute College and elsewhere. Te Aute College's emphasis on sporting endeavor was a product of Ngata's belief that success on the playing field was one way in which Maori could gain credibility and acceptance in European society. As a scholar and a sportsman, Jack Ruru soon emerged as a young man capable of fulfilling Ngata's vision.
The son of Henare Ruru, a prominent Chief of the Te Aitanga-A-Mahaki tribe of the East Coast and confidant of Ngata, Jack Ruru was well suited to follow Ngata into the political sphere. His academic achievements would be sufficient to gain him a place studying law at Wellington's Victoria College. However, it was to be his sporting prowess that led him to early prominence. George Nepia recalled in his autobiography, I George Nepia, that Ruru had represented Hawke's Bay while still a student at Te Aute College. An impressed Nepia added that Ruru was a footballer 'of most unusual talent'.
Ruru was selected to represent New Zealand Maori as a wing three-quarter against Auckland in 1927 at the slender age of sixteen. This fixture, and others during the late twenties are notable because of the increasing importance of Maori rugby. At this time, Maori rugby was variously described as attractive, dashing football or similarly, but with a tinge of condescension, as cavalier, reckless and lacking in discipline. While such assessments owed as much to racial stereotyping as they did to sound judgment, both purist and public acknowledged that Maori rugby was entertaining. Given the threat posed by rugby league in the 1920s, Maori rugby was welcomed as an exotic addition to the staple rugby diet.
Yet political sensitivities determined the omission of Maori from the All Black team that toured South Africa in 1928. Deprived of the talents of Nepia, Jimmy Mill and other prominent Maori players, the All Blacks struggled in South Africa. However, the Auckland fixture and a later tour of Europe in 1926-27 were planned to both compensate Maori players for their omission and satisfy the public's thirst for entertaining rugby.
While Jack Ruru was too young to tour Europe with the Maori side in 1926 it would be with the New Zealand Maori that he would announce his arrival on the national rugby stage. In July 1930 Ruru was selected to play for the New Zealand Maori against the touring Great Britain Lions at Wellington's Athletic Park before a capacity crowd. Although the Lions won the match 19-13, the Maori pushed the Lions close and the final result was in doubt until late in the second half. The Maori performance won the praise of the tourists who admired the spirit, determination and skill of their opponents. Jack Ruru, in particular, excelled on the wing. Nepia noted that 'at this time he was at his best'. Indeed, during the match Ruru scored a try that featured in detail in several reviews of the match. Nepia's description of Ruru's try against the Lions demonstrates his strength and determination. According to Nepia, Ruru 'went for the goal line like a rocket - going in at the corner, he not only resisted one of Bassett's heavy tackles but actually knocked him sprawling before grounding the ball.'
Former All Black turned journalist, G T Alley, added in his book of the tour that Ruru 'showed that he had the makings of a great attacking player, and his try was a beauty.' The Evening Post reported that 'a deafening roar went up when it was seen that his outstretched arms had grounded the ball over the line.'
Ruru's performance for the Maori in 1930 ensured he arrived in Wellington with a reputation as a player to watch. While a member of the Victoria College First Fifteen, Ruru toured Australia with New Zealand Universities in the winter of 1931. He played the unofficial 'test' match against New South Wales and played, according to observers at the time, 'a foremost part in the New Zealand win by 28 points to 10.' Ruru went on to represent the Wellington province and joined New Zealand Maori on their internal tour in what was a busy season. The Maori tour culminated with a match against the touring Australian side at Palmerston North. Ruru played on the wing for a losing Maori side, Australia winning 14-3.
In 1932 Ruru was re-selected for Wellington but unable to tour with the team. While concentrating on his studies Ruru confirmed his status as one of the most dynamic attacking players in the Wellington club competition. Ruru played consistently for Victoria College in 1933, before being appointed captain of the First Fifteen in 1934.
By 1934, Ruru had matured into an outstanding talent. He had moved into the mid-field where his flair, ball skills, speed of foot and strength in the tackle made him a vital component of any side he was selected for. Consistently mentioned when the likely All Black touring party to tour Great Britain in 1935 was discussed, Jack Ruru was considered a near certainty.
Yet tension had developed between the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and the Maori Advisory Board, headed by Apirana Ngata. At issue was the right to administer Maori rugby. Ngata took great interest in Maori rugby. The archives of the Maori Advisory Board demonstrate Ngata's hands-on approach with regard to team selection. Jottings, memos and telegrams disclose detailed studies of the form and availability of players and consideration as to the selection of Maori teams and their tactics. Ngata's seemingly autocratic control was hard won as the New Zealand Rugby Football Union had only reluctantly ceded the administration of Maori rugby to the Advisory Board.
As the number of outstanding Maori players increased, conflict arose as to who was to have first call over their selection. Loyalty to Ngata, and in some instances the pressure he applied, ensured Maori players chose to be available for selection for Prince of Wales Cup matches ahead of those of their provinces. A conflicting fixture list exacerbated this tension as provincial rugby administrators began to question just who was administering New Zealand rugby - the Maori Advisory Board or the New Zealand Rugby Football Union?
On the first of September 1934, Tai Rawhiti (comprising players from the East Coast of the North Island) were matched to play Tai Hauauru (comprising players from the West Coast of the North Island) at Rotorua in a Prince of Wales Cup match. Jack Ruru was selected to Captain Tai Rawhiti from second five-eighth. On the same Saturday, Wellington were to play Auckland at Eden Park in what was, and remains, a glamour fixture in New Zealand provincial rugby. Ruru was by this time a Wellington regular playing outstanding football. His selection as captain of Tai Rawhiti, ahead of older and more experienced players, demonstrated the standing in which he was held. It was also, it seems, an honour which exceeded that of representing his province.
Nobody could have predicted the events of this match. Such was the gravity of the tragedy that occurred, the score has come to possess little historical relevance. Mid way through the second half, Ruru, who had earlier complained of headaches, cried out to the referee before collapsing and falling to the ground. Stunned players and spectators watched as he was carried from the field unconscious and placed in an ambulance bound for Rotorua Hospital. Later that evening, hospital officials announced that Jack Ruru had died.
The next day The Dominion broke the news that Jack Ruru had died as the result of a brain hemorrhage. 'Playing at five-eighth, he was injured when he went down to stop a forward rush. In the second spell he collapsed, and was taken to Rotorua Hospital, where he died without regaining consciousness.' The report added that 'Ruru was injured in a previous game about a fortnight ago and during yesterday's match appeared to be suffering still from the effects of 'concussion.'
At an inquest held the following day, the referee Mr A L Wallace, stated that 'the game had been played in a friendly spirit and that there were no signs of rough tactics.' The manager of the East Coast team Mr. W P Pitt added, however, 'that several times during the game Ruru put his hands to his head as though he was suffering from the effects of concussion.' The inquest later dismissed the concussion theory, finding that Ruru's injuries 'were quite consistent with having received an injury in the course of a match.'
The Dominion lamented Ruru's death, noting his 'modest manner and personal charm.' The report went on to add that: 'His natural ability was not centered on sport solely, his academic career having been one of great promise. He will be remembered by his friends as a true sportsman and a true gentleman.'
The following day The Dominion reported that: 'Considerable ceremony surrounded the removal of the dead player from Ohinemutu Pa ... to the deceased's home at Te Karaka, Gisborne', where a large Tangi was to be held. Significantly, Ruru's body was accompanied on its journey home by Sir Apirana Ngata, now Native Minister, together with other leaders of Rotorua and East Coast tribes.
Other papers reported Ruru's death at length. The Evening Post lamented the loss of 'a popular figure on and off the field of play in Wellington.' Commenting on the 'tragic suddenness' and 'great shock' of his death, the Post added that Ruru was student at Victoria University College, 'where he was highly respected ... having an unassuming way with him which made a very strong appeal.' Regarding his sporting prowess, the Post noted: 'His play as a back was brilliant at times and his future as a Rugby representative looked very bright. By his death Rugby football has lost a fine sportsman and a dashing player.'
The New Zealand Truth commented that: 'Rugby followers were shocked to learn of the death of Jackie Ruru, the dashing and clever Victoria College and Wellington representative three-quarter through injuries received on the football field.' The Truth noted also that Ruru was a popular figure on Wellington rugby fields who with his 'dashing and clever attack has ever been a delight to those who appreciate bright football and this season.' Again, the Truth praised Ruru's standing among his peers, noting that: 'On and off the field, the late Jack Ruru was a sportsman and a gentleman, and his death means a great loss to the game.'
The story of the shield
Jack Ruru's memory was subsequently honoured in 1936 with the establishment of the Jack Ruru Memorial Cup. This trophy is still awarded to the man-of-the-match in Prince of Wales Cup encounters. Winston McCarthy would later write that Jack Ruru was '... a fast and elusive player [who] was at his brilliant best that year, and [that] his death shocked the country.' The Victoria College Rugby Club also sought a suitable memorial. Money was raised and Arthur Hebberly of the Dominion Museum was commissioned to carve the Jackie Ruru Shield. The Club's committee allocated the Shield to the annual match between Weir House and 'The Rest' of the College. For the record, 'The Rest' won the first encounter in 1936.
The Jackie Ruru Shield was contested between these sides, and then Weir House and Victoria House, until 1978 when Weir House could no longer field a team. The Shield was then put aside for some years until 1982 when it was resurrected as a challenge trophy to be contested by the Victoria University Rugby Football Club's 'social' teams. Cornelius Groat defeated the Sixty Niners in 1983 in the first officially recognised challenge match. This result was reversed in 1984.
Since then, the Jackie Ruru Shield has changed hands frequently but never easily. Shield matches are renown for the passion, commitment and vigour displayed by opposing teams. As players will tell you, there's something about 'the Ruru' that stirs the blood and stiffens the sinew. Victory is the source of tremendous pride - loss the source of an equal measure of sadness. Memorable Shield challenges are burnt into the memory of those who've won and lost, not just for the last minute tries or field goals that so often separate teams, but for having played in a match that somehow captures the essence of club rugby.
Today, the Jackie Ruru Shield is a Wellington rugby institution. Crowds come to witness something altogether more satisfying - rugby played with spirit and passion by men motivated by nothing more than their mates and their love of the game.