Jack Ruru

An Appreciation

The shock that followed the news of Jack Ruru's tragic death from injuries sustained on the football field still lies heavily upon his many friends. They find it difficult to realise that no more will they see his cheerful smile nor listen to his pleasant voice.

As a shy boy of eighteen Jack Ruru came to Victoria College from Te Aute in 1931 and during the tour years of his attendance at the College by his personal charm and modest manner endeared himself to all with whom he came in contact.

His course at the College was being undertaken preparatory to his taking over from his father, now advanced in years, the work the latter has been carrying on for his people.

Like many of his race, Jack Ruru's special recreation lay in New Zealand's national game and it is perhaps fitting that his end should come on the field he loved so well. To him, his football was essentially a game, in which he might match his wits with those of his opponents and bring into play those physical attributes with which he was bounteously endowed. Characteristically, he disliked the tedium associated with the preparation for a match but in the game itself, whether club or international, there could be no keener player on the field. In retrospect, his outstanding qualities as a footballer were, firstly, the fine spirit in which he played and, secondly, the great courage he invariably displayed in defence. Strenuous though the game might be, Jack Ruru was never known to commit a questionable act nor shirk a tackle.

Now suddenly he has been taken long before his time and in the very flush of life. He lies in the burial ground of his people near the little village where he was born, to which he was wont to refer affectionately as "out wayback." By those who knew him only on the field of play he will be remembered as an outstanding footballer; by those who were priviledged to share his friendship the memory of Jack Ruru will be cherished as that of a true sportsman and true friend.

Farewell Maori friend, big hearted, good hearted, friendly Jack Ruru