Kevin Stuart (rugby union)

Kevin Charles Stuart (19 September 1928[1][2] – 12 April 2005) was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented the All Blacks in 1955. His position of choice was fullback.

Kevin Stuart
Stuart in 1955
Birth nameKevin Charles Stuart
Date of birth(1928-09-19)19 September 1928
Place of birthDunedin, New Zealand
Date of death12 April 2005(2005-04-12) (aged 76)
Place of deathHavelock North, New Zealand
Height1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Weight84 kg (13 st 3 lb)
SchoolSt Bede's College
Notable relative(s)Bob Stuart (brother)
Jim Kearney (cousin)
Cameron McIntyre (great-nephew)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback
All Black No. 566
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
Christchurch Marist ()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1948–56 Canterbury 79 (383)
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1955 New Zealand 1 (0)

Although born in Dunedin, Stuart was educated at St Bede's College, Christchurch where he was a member of the 1st XV between 1944 and 1946.[3] He died in April 2005,[4] and was buried at Havelock North Cemetery.[5]

Career

Stuart was described as a "grand all-round fullback and a fearless tackler".[3] He was playing in his first season for the Christchurch Marist club when he made his debut for his province, Canterbury in 1948.[6] He became very popular amongst the Canterbury supporters, mainly due to his defensive abilities.[6]

In 1950 Stuart played in his first All Black trial, failing to be selected. Subsequently he was overlooked in both 1951 and 1952,[3][6] but continued to be a major contribution to the Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield reign from 1953 to 1956.[6] In 1955, aged 26, Stuart was given his All Black opportunity in the first test against the Wallabies.[3] Considered an average performance in the 15-8 win, many believed he would be selected again for the national side. He was one of five players selected for player of the year for the 1955 season. In his provincial career, Stuart played 79 games and scored 383 points. He scored 100 of those in 1951, a rare accomplishment in those days.[6]

Injuries prevented Stuart from playing at his full potential thereafter. He broke an arm in 1954 during a Ranfurly Shield match against Otago. In 1956 he faced severe shoulder problems and based on medical advice, Stuart retired that year.[3][6]

Personal

Stuart was one of 13 foundation members of the Canterbury rugby club.[7]

Family

Stuart was part of a very notable family. His older brother, Bob, was an All Black between 1949 and 1954 and was captain of the side during 1953 and 1954. Another brother, John played for Canterbury in 1957. A cousin, Jim Kearney, was an All Black between 1947 and 1949.[3][6]

References
  1. "PECK of Taita - Family Tree". ngairedith.tribalpages.com. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  2. "the 1,109 New Zealand ALL BLACKS from 1884 - NATHAN to YOUNG :: FamilyTreeCircles.com Genealogy". www.familytreecircles.com. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  3. Chester, Rod; McMillan, Neville; Palenski, Ron (1987). The Encyclopedia of New Zealand Rugby. Auckland, New Zealand: Moa Publications. p. 158. ISBN 0-908570-16-3.
  4. "Kevin Stuart | Rugby Union | Players and Officials | ESPN Scrum". ESPN scrum. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  5. "Details". cemeterybase.hdc.govt.nz. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  6. "Stats | allblacks.com". stats.allblacks.com. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
  7. Club, Cantabrian Rugby Football. "Membership - Cantabrian Rugby Football Club". www.cantabrianrfc.co.nz. Archived from the original on 6 April 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
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