Josh Bekhuis’ 100th Super Rugby milestone to be recognised
Blues lock Josh Bekhuis will be officially recognised tomorrow night for becoming the 39th player to play 100 Investec Super Rugby matches.
Bekhuis’ reached the milestone during their Round 4 match against the Reds in Brisbane, and after last week’s bye round, tomorrow night (Blues v Jaguares at QBE Stadium, Albany) will be the first opportunity to formally celebrate his achievement.
He is only the fifth player to achieve the rare double feat of 100 Investec Super Rugby matches and 100 NPC matches.
New Zealand Rugby chairman Brent Impey will present Bekhuis with a greenstone mere, the traditional gift for players who have achieved the rare feat of playing 100 Super Rugby matches, all for New Zealand teams. Mr Impey said Bekhuis now joined a proud, and still exclusive, club of Super Rugby centurions.
“It’s an impressive achievement to play 100 games in this competition – Josh has proven he’s a committed team player and we are grateful for the contribution he’s making to the game at this level.”
Bekhuis first debuted in Super Rugby for the Highlanders in 2009 and went on to accumulate 82 caps for the southern club, before moving to the Blues last year.
Mr Impey will present the mere at the conclusion of tomorrow’s game, and Blues chairman Tony Carter will also present a jersey to mark the occasion.
Blues Head Coach Tana Umaga said Bekhuis was a hard worker who deserved to celebrate the rare milestone.
“Josh is a talented and hard-working grafter on the field whose experience is a key part of any platform our forwards build. He is a popular member of the team – and what many won’t realise is that he is responsible for one of the most important roles in the Blues environment – the team music.”
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