History will be made in Invercargill tomorrow when veteran lock Josh Bekhuis runs out for Southland in their final match of the season.
The Southland Stag mainstay will become their most capped player with 144 games.
“I’m always getting grief from the boys for being old, but that’s sort of what’s been driving me,” the 38-year-old said.
It’s been a record-breaking season for Bekhuis. A few weeks ago he became the National Provincial Championship’s most capped player, and this weekend he’ll have Rugby Southland’s all-time record.
“He never dies, he just won’t ever go down,” Southland prop Morgy Mitchell said.
Bekhuis has been running out for Southland for 18 years. Some players in the squad would barely have been born.
Bekhuis was part of Southland’s golden period where they won the Ranfurly Shield in 2009 and 2011. On top of that he’s played for the Highlanders, Blues, and played overseas professionally for six years.
His secret to longevity in the sport?
“You just need to listen to your body,” he said.
“I was a taller fella and my calves and back would usually blow out, so I put a lot of work into them. I was lucky enough to play with Brad Thorn in the Highlanders and I watched how diligent he was with his prehab and rehab.”
It will be a huge occasion at Rugby Park, where the iconic ground will be temporarily renamed Bekhuis Park to honour the lock fondly known as Lurch.
Tomorrow’s game will also put him ahead of his mentor and Southland legend Jason ‘Cabbage’ Rutledge.
“I’m incredibly proud of Lurch,” Rutledge said.
“It only takes an injury to your shoulder and your season is over or a knee so you need a bit of good luck, but sometimes good luck comes to those who are prepared to work hard and Josh has always been one of those.”
Bekhuis said the Stags’ match tomorrow could end up being his last game in the Southland jersey.
But Southland coach James Wilson was sceptical.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” he said.
