Mate Jakich

Mate Jakich
Full name Mate Ivan Joseph Jakich
Date of birth 31 March 1940
Place of birth Otorohanga, New Zealand
Date of death 2 March 2010 (aged 69)
Place of death Takapuna, New Zealand
School St Peter's College
Rugby union career
Playing career
Position Loose forward
Provincial/State sides
Years Club / team Caps (points)
Auckland 61

Mate Ivan Joseph Jakich (31 March 1940 – 2 March 2010) was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented Auckland as a loose forward.

Biography

Jakich was born in Otorohanga in 1940,[1] and educated at St Peter's College. He played rugby for his school as a student in the 1950s and later in life, as an old boy, despite the onset of a serious arthritic condition, he coached the St Peter's College 1st XV alongside Brother John Prendergast during the 1970s.[2]

Jakich played rugby for the University of Auckland as a student.[3] He played "hundreds" of games for the Marist Auckland senior team and was selected by Fred Allen to represent the Auckland province and played in 61 games for the Auckland team which, from 1960 to 1963, defended the Ranfurly Shield a record 25 times. Jakich's playing style was typified by his "rampaging runs". Allen observed that Jakich was strong, moved around quickly and was easily lifted in lineouts.[4] He took part in the game, Auckland v South Africa, at Eden Park, Auckland on 30 July 1966. As a personality, Jakich was considered unforgettable and totally distinctive, full of courage and good humour.[5]

References

  1. ↑ "Births". New Zealand Herald. 2 April 1940. p. 1. Retrieved 2 April 2015.
  2. ↑ "Mate Jakich RIP", St Peter's College Newsletter 03/10, 5 March 2010, p. 12.
  3. ↑ "Old Boy's News, At Auckland University", St Peter's College Magazine, St Peter's College, Auckland, 1960, p. 80.
  4. ↑ John Brady, "A players View of the Needle?",Coaching Tool Box, August 2002
  5. ↑ Cameron, D.J. (6 March 2010). "One of rugby's rare gems". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 22 October 2011.