Kevin Stuart Explained

Kevin Stuart
Birth Name:Kevin Charles Stuart
Birth Date:1928 9, df=yes
Birth Place:Dunedin, New Zealand
Death Place:Havelock North, New Zealand
Height:1.84m (06.04feet)
Weight:84kg (185lb)
School:St Bede's College
Relatives:Bob Stuart (brother)
Jim Kearney (cousin)
Cameron McIntyre (great-nephew)
Ru Position:Fullback
Repyears1:1955
Repteam1:New Zealand
Amatteam1:Christchurch Marist
Ru Province1:Canterbury
Ru Provinceyears1:1948–1956
Ru Provinceapps1:79
Ru Provincepoints1:383
Repcaps1:1
Reppoints1:0

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.

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". 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.

In 1950 Stuart played in his first All Black trial, failing to be selected. Subsequently he was overlooked in both 1951 and 1952, but continued to be a major contribution to the Canterbury's Ranfurly Shield reign from 1953 to 1956. In 1955, aged 26, Stuart was given his All Black opportunity in the first test against Australia. 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.

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.

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.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: PECK of Taita - Family Tree. ngairedith.tribalpages.com. 2016-03-25.
  2. Web site: the 1,109 New Zealand ALL BLACKS from 1884 - NATHAN to YOUNG :: FamilyTreeCircles.com Genealogy. www.familytreecircles.com. 2016-03-25.
  3. Book: Chester, Rod. The Encyclopedia of New Zealand Rugby. McMillan. Neville. Palenski. Ron. Moa Publications. 1987. 0-908570-16-3. Auckland, New Zealand. 158.
  4. Web site: Kevin Stuart Rugby Union Players and Officials ESPN Scrum. ESPN scrum. 2016-03-25.
  5. Web site: Details. cemeterybase.hdc.govt.nz. 2016-03-25.
  6. Web site: Stats allblacks.com. stats.allblacks.com. 2016-03-25.
  7. Web site: Membership - Cantabrian Rugby Football Club . Club . Cantabrian Rugby Football . www.cantabrianrfc.co.nz . 2016-03-25 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160406071300/http://www.cantabrianrfc.co.nz/index.cfm/1%2C124%2C0%2C0%2Chtml/Membership . 6 April 2016 .