Rugby: Rep stalwart took it to Lions

Jack Hakaraia Karatau (on left in headgear) will be remembered at today's Heartland match at Cooks Gardens. He passed away this month. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Wanganui rugby has acknowledged the passing of one of its great players from the 1950s. Jack Hakaraia Karatau passed away on September 8, aged 83.

Karatau is commemorated in today's programme for the Pink Batts Heartland game between Steelform Wanganui and East Coast at Cooks Gardens.

Also a Maori All Black, hooker Karatau made 62 appearances for Wanganui between 1953-59.

He played in five Ranfurly Shield Challenges in that time, with his most memorable two appearances starting with the challenge to Taranaki in 1959, with Wanganui beaten 17-11.

Just four days later, Wanganui met the touring British Lions team, with Karatau scoring his team's only try as they narrowly lost 9-6.

Karatau played for NZ Maori in 1956, one of 31 Wanganui players to have achieved that honour.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years Nola, with both having been regular attendees of local club and representative games over the years.