- Ruben Love scored two tries for the All Blacks on Saturday
- 23-year-old fulfilled boyhood dream by making his debut
All Blacks debutant Ruben Love has claimed his revenge over an old school teacher in a stunning message after fulfilling a long-held dream by starring for his country over the weekend.
The talented 23-year-old made his debut for New Zealand’s rugby side against Japan on Saturday, scoring tries in the 78th and 80th minutes.
The All Blacks eventually ran away with the encounter, winning 64-19 at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.
In a post to social media following the game, he thanked his friends and family.
‘This moment is yours just as much as it’s mine,’ he said.
He then took a moment to thank a particular teacher who spurred him on by trying to humiliate him.
‘To the teacher that got me in front of the class and made me say my dream out loud then proceeded to tell me I have a 1% chance of being an All Black then told me to choose another dream…
‘I stole your gym key and used that as fuel for years.’
All Black debutant Ruben Love has thanked a teacher for doubting his abilities ahead of making a stunning debut for his country against Japan (pictured)
Love is pictured wearing an All Blacks top back when he was a schoolboy
Love (pictured centre with All Blacks teammates after the win over Japan) says he used his teacher’s doubts as fuel to drive him for years
Love, who is the son of former All Black Matene Love, got his first call-up to the national squad for the Rugby Championship after an excellent Super Rugby season for the Hurricanes.
However, his debut was pushed back after he injured his thigh during Wellington’s Ranfurly Shield challenge against Tasman last month.
‘It’s pretty special, it’s everything I’ve always dreamed of,’ Love told 1News soon after he found out he’d be playing for his country.
Love’s footy-playing father was emotional when he heard the news.
‘All he ever wanted to do was be an All Black, so we are so proud of him,’ he said.
‘He has achieved his goal.’
