Hubert Turtill

Turtill's father died in London when he was only three years old and his mother decided to move to New Zealand to be with relatives. On the sea voyage in 1884 he gained the nickname Jum, short for Jumbo. Turtill worked in New Zealand as a decorative metal worker. ==Rugby union==

He started his rugby union career playing for Christchurch Albion before making the Canterbury team in 1902. He represented the South Island in 1903 and 1907. He became an All Black in 1905, playing against Australia. ==Rugby league==

In 1907 he joined the professional All Blacksbetter known as the All Golds''''on their tour of Great Britain and Australia, thus joining the code that would evolve into rugby league. He was selected because he was considered well versed in wet weather football, something the side would constantly experience in Great Britain. However he instead joined St. Helens where he also owned a pub, the "Lord Nelson Hotel" in St Helens. ==First World War==

After the outbreak of the First World War, Turtill served with the British Army. He became a sergeant in the Royal Engineers 422nd Field Company, 55th West Lancashire division, until he was killed in France in 1918 during the Battle of Givenchy. Turtill’s body was buried in a French war cemetery. From 2022 the New Zealand Rugby Museum has displayed a tribute to Turtill, including items on loan from his family, such as his Canterbury cap, New Zealand jersey and cap and his engraved war service medallion. ==See also==