Rugby centre opened
The Hohepa (Harry) Jacob Community Rugby Centre has been officially opened in Levin.
The new building located at Playford Park was opened in front of Jacob’s wha¯ nau alongside Horowhenua Ka¯ piti Rugby Football Union board of directors and rugby committee.
The naming of the building is dedicated to Hohepa (Harry) Jacob following his service and contribution to rugby in Horowhenua Ka¯ piti.
Over 20 All Blacks have links to the region, however only Jacob played out his entire career with Horowhenua.
He was regarded as being one of the standout wing forwards of his time and his All Blacks career would probably have been extended if he had moved to Wellington or Auckland to play.
The Hohepa (Harry) Jacob Community Rugby Centre will be used as an off-field development centre.
It will be a meeting space for coaches, players and referees and will provide personal and professional development opportunities for the rugby community.
Arana Moore, great-grandson of Jacob, spoke at the opening of Jacob’s journey.
“It’s a great honour and privilege for our wha¯ nau that you’ve bestowed the name of Hohepa (Harry) Jacob on this new whare for the Horowhenua Ka¯ piti Rugby Union.”
Before playing for Horowhenua seniors, at 18 Jacob was picked for the 1913 NZ Ma¯ ori tour to Australia.
He became a regular in NZ Ma¯ ori teams and gained All Blacks selection for the tour to Australia in 1920.
World War I interrupted his rugby career but he distinguished himself at Gallipoli and France and was awarded the Military Cross.
During the early 1920s Jacob captained Horowhenua and later Manawhenua until 1927 after leading Manawhenua to win and then defend the Ranfurly Shield in three games.
Horowhenua Ka¯ piti Rugby Union chief executive officer Corey Kennett addressed Jacob’s wha¯ nau and spoke of how special it was to dedicate the naming.
“This is a very special year for the Horowhenua Ka¯ piti Rugby Football Union as it’s our 125th year.
“Today is a very special occasion to honour a great man and a great rugby player.”
The new centre is the first building development the Horowhenua Ka¯ piti Rugby Football Union has been involved in since the construction of the grandstand at the Levin Domain in 1961.