Rukingi Reke

Joseph Rukingi Reke was a New Zealand rugby union and professional rugby league footballer who played representative rugby league for New Zealand.

Early life

Rukingi was born on 23 January 1892 to Wiri Rogers and Meretina Hamuera Pango.

Rugby union career

Reke played rugby union for New Zealand Māori under the name Joseph Rogers.

Playing career

Reke played for Rotorua and represented New Zealand in 1912 and on the 1913 tour of Australia. No tests were played in those years however, with matches instead against New South Wales and Queensland.

Personal life and death

Rukingi married Lenare Elizabeth Gordon on 7 October 1920. They had 3 sons, Gordon, Desmond and Robert. Rukingi died on 3 November 1974, aged 82.