Jan Rutkowski

Jan, on the left, with Tara Flanagan at the RWC2021.

Jan Rutkowski

I was fortunate to not only meet Jan but have time to have a decent kōrero ( chat, chin wag, natter) with her about life, ‘take away’ food in Piha and her days playing rugby. It was such a privilege to hear about her journey and whilst we focused a lot on her time with the WIVERNS in Jan’s book entry - we could also have written another entry on her playing days.

She spoke so fondly and with such respect about dozens of former US Eagles players - I think she alone could write an edition of Our GameMakers just on the US side of rugby history.

Thank you so much for your time Jan and thank goodness you have a great memory!