Harry Jacob, of Ngāti Huia and Ngāti Porou, was the first All Black to come from the Horowhenua. A Military Cross holder from World War One and captain of New Zealand Māori, he used his leadership skills to wrestle the Ranfurly Shield off the Wairarapa. He named his son Ran Furly. Jacob’s contribution to Horowhenua rugby is immense – the centenary publication of Horowhenua rugby is titled In Jacob’s Shadow and the Harry Jacob Memorial Trophy is awarded every season for the Best and Fairest Horowhenua player.