Rutledge started his career with Southland in 2000 before making his debut for the Highlanders four years later. But after playing two games that season, he did not return to the Highlanders until 2009. He came on as a substitution for David Hall in the season opener against the Brumbies, scoring a try minutes from full time which briefly put the Highlanders in the lead.
He left the club in 2013 having amassed 59 caps and scoring 40 points.
In September 2020, he answered an SOS call and returned to Southland twenty years after making his debut.
The 42-year-old front-rower was named on the bench for Southland’s Mitre 10 Cup 2020 opener against Hawke’s Bay in Invercargill, and was set to become the oldest player to play for Southland.
(LS September 11, 2020)
Career
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Highlanders Hooker |
2004 - 2013 |
 |
Southland Hooker |
2000 - 2022 |
