- Ruben Love scored two tries for the All Blacks on Saturday
- The 23-year-old fulfilled his childhood dream by making his debut
All Blacks debutant Rubén Love has taken revenge on an old schoolteacher in a stunning message after fulfilling a long-cherished dream by starring for his country over the weekend.
The talented 23-year-old made his debut for the New Zealand rugby team against Japan on Saturday, scoring tries in the 78th and 80th minutes.
The All Blacks ultimately took the match, winning 64-19 at Nissan Stadium in Yokohama.
In a social media post after the game, he thanked his friends and family.
“This moment is as much yours as it is mine,” he said.
He then took a moment to thank one particular teacher who stimulated him by trying to humiliate him.
‘To the teacher who put me in front of the class and made me say my dream out loud, then proceeded to tell me that I have a 1% chance of being an All Black and then told me to choose another dream…
“I stole the key to your gym and used it as fuel for years.”
All Blacks debutant Ruben Love thanked a teacher for doubting his abilities before making an impressive debut for his country against Japan (pictured).
Love is pictured wearing an All Blacks jersey as a schoolboy
Love (pictured center with his All Blacks teammates after the win over Japan) says he used his teacher’s doubts as fuel to drive him for years.
Love, son of former All Black Matene Love, earned his first call-up to the national team for the Rugby Championship after an excellent Super Rugby season for the Hurricanes.
However, his debut was delayed after he injured his thigh during Wellington’s Ranfurly Shield challenge against Tasman last month.
“It’s very special, it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of,” Love told 1News shortly after finding out he would play for his country.
Love’s father, a soccer player, was emotional when he heard the news.
“All he ever wanted to do was be an All Black, so we’re very proud of him,” he said.
“He has achieved his goal.”