Hubert Turtill
Jum Turtill | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 February 1880 New Zealand |
| Died | 9 April 1918 (aged 38) |
| Occupation(s) | Athlete, decorative metalworker, publican, soldier |
| Known for | Representing New Zealand in rugby union and rugby league; serving in World War I |
Jum Hubert Sydney Turtill (1 February 1880 – 9 April 1918) was a New Zealand athlete who excelled in both rugby union and rugby league, representing his country in each sport. After relocating to Britain, he enlisted in the British Army during the First World War and lost his life in 1918.
Early years
Following the death of his father in London when Turtill was just three years old, his mother relocated the family to New Zealand in 1884. It was there that he acquired the nickname Jum. Professionally, he was employed as a decorative metalworker.
Rugby union
Turtill's rugby union journey began with Christchurch Albion before he advanced to play for Canterbury in 1902. He earned selection for the South Island team in both 1903 and 1907, and in 1905 he achieved All Black status by competing against Australia.
Rugby league
In 1907, Turtill became part of the professional All Blacks squad, known as the All Golds, embarking on their tour across Great Britain and Australia. This marked his transition to rugby league, a code that developed from rugby union. Noted for his skill in wet conditions, he participated in six test matches during the tour. He captained New Zealand in the inaugural trans-Tasman test against the Australia national rugby league team on 9 May 1908, guiding the team to an 11-10 win. His sole try on this tour was a landmark moment—it was New Zealand’s first test try against Great Britain, scored at Leeds on 25 January 1908, aiding their series victory.
After completing the tour, Turtill settled in England with his wife Mabel and initially intended to play for Salford. However, he ultimately signed with St. Helens, where he also managed a public house called the "Lord Nelson Hotel."
First World War
With the outbreak of World War I, Turtill served as a sergeant in the Royal Engineers within the 422nd Field Company of the 55th West Lancashire division. He was killed during combat at the 1918 Battle of Givenchy in France and was interred in a military cemetery there.
Since 2022, the New Zealand Rugby Museum has commemorated Turtill through an exhibit featuring items on loan from his family, including his Canterbury cap, New Zealand jersey and cap, as well as his engraved military service medallion.