Rory Best Reflects On Jack Kyle

I remember my father and grandfather talking about Jack Kyle and what a great player he was in his time. But for him still to be looked upon by modern day players as a genius of the game, shows what a legend he was. There are very few players who transcend generations like he has done, but when you look back at clips of some of the stuff he did, he was well ahead of his time. 

We talk about his playing achievements but he was a real gentleman as well as a rugby great. I’ve met him a few times, particularly in 2009 when we won the Grand Slam, and he spoke so fondly of his time playing rugby. He spoke so graciously to us and you genuinely felt that he was happy to share what we’d been through because he’d done it back in 1948. He never tried to force anything on you but he had so much knowledge to impart that you couldn’t help but listen and be engrossed by what he had to say.

There is a wonderful tribute to him in the new tunnel at Kingspan Stadium and it’s very special to have his legacy to inspire us. He was one of the greatest players to ever play the game and it’s a privilege to follow in his footsteps as an Ulster Rugby player.

RIP Jack Kyle