Mate Jakich

Mate Jakich

Birth name	Mate Ivan Joseph Jakich
Date of birth	(1940-03-31)31 March 1940
Place of birth	Ōtorohanga, New Zealand
Date of death	2 March 2010(2010-03-02) (aged 69)
Place of death	Takapuna, New Zealand
School	St Peter's College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Loose forward Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) Auckland 61 ()

Mate Ivan Joseph Jakich (31 March 1940 – 2 March 2010) was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented Auckland as a loose forward.

Biography

Jakich was born in Ōtorohanga in 1940, and educated at St Peter's College. He played rugby for his school as a student in the 1950s and later in life, as an old boy, despite the onset of a serious arthritic condition, he coached the St Peter's College 1st XV alongside Brother John Prendergast during the 1970s.

Jakich played rugby for the University of Auckland as a student. He played "hundreds" of games for the Marist Auckland senior team and was selected by Fred Allen to represent the Auckland province and played in 61 games for the Auckland team which, from 1960 to 1963, defended the Ranfurly Shield a record 25 times. Jakich's playing style was typified by his "rampaging runs". Allen observed that Jakich was strong, moved around quickly and was easily lifted in lineouts. He took part in the game, Auckland v South Africa, at Eden Park, Auckland on 30 July 1966. As a personality, Jakich was considered unforgettable and totally distinctive, full of courage and good humour.