Third-generation Rutledge emerges as schoolboy rugby star
Gregor Rutledge very much leads from the front with his work rate, a trait his grandfather Leicester and father Jason both built their games around.
Buckle up rugby followers, there’s another Rutledge on the scene.
And it’s probably not a stretch to suggest he’s shaping as every bit the player of the two generations who have gone before him.
Loose forward Gregor Rutledge played a lead role captaining the Southland Boys’ High School first XV to a thrilling 18-17 victory over Auckland Grammar on Friday.
With just a three-day break he and his teammates were back at it, this time crushing another visiting Auckland school team Kings College 44-17 on Tuesday.
Southland Boys’ led 18-7 at halftime before racking up four second-half tries to push out to the 44-17 victory.
Again, Southland Boys gave up size to King College, but the willingness to work hard in defence and the skill level in attack continue to make up for that.
Rutledge very much leads from the front with his work rate, a trait his grandfather Leicester and father Jason both built their games around.
Leicester, a loose forward, played for the All Blacks from 1978 through to 1980 and also played 113 games for Southland.
His dad Jason is Southland’s most capped player of all time and at one point went ever so close to All Black selection as a hooker.
Gregor grew up in and around the likes of the Stags and Highlanders setups while following his father’s rugby career when he was a kid.
Gregor said it was nice to have his dad alongside him now as he himself progresses through the rugby ranks
“He’s been really good. He’s been coming to a few trainings this year helping out, so it’s been good.”
Gregor is in Year 13 at Southland Boys’, although he is a young Year 13 pupil.
He hasn’t firmed up what he will do next year, but he’s had academic success at school and with his rugby ability he’s likely to be a sought-after prospect.
On top of his impressive work rate, he’s strong over the ball at the breakdown, provides a very good lineout option, and doesn’t shirk his responsibilities carrying the ball.
His grandfather was a loose forward, while dad Jason started in the loose forwards at school before being shifted into hooker when he started to play senior club rugby.
There’s no risk of Gregor following that same path though given his height.
As for the start of the Southland Boys’ High School first XV’s 2023 season, captain Rutledge had every right to be thrilled.
“It’s an unreal start beating two teams coming down from Auckland in our preseason,” Rutledge said.
“It was big for us beating Auckland Grammar first up, who had already played four games I think, and then backing it up three days later against Kings.”
So, what makes the 2023 SBHS first XV that bit special?
“I think it’s just the brotherhood really. We are all really close mates and we just play for each other I guess.”
While hard work is its obvious strength, the skill level produced through its first two games should have many standing up and taking notice.
It’s led by brothers Mika and Rico Muliaina at first five-eighth and fullback respectively. They have very good kicking and passing games on them.
But across the park they possess attacking threats. Wing Jimmy Taylor showcased that in the 44-17 victory over Kings College.
What makes SBHS special is the team culture under a very astute coach. Be great to see the name back out in rugby circles. Jason should have got a run with the All Blacks but the coaches get locked into the development mindset at times which sometimes means its not always the best player picked. And Jason was just a bit to old but was out playing all the hookers in NZ at the peak of his career.