Connor inducted into Hall of Fame - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Connor inducted into Hall of Fame

10/09/2008 01:53:44 PM Comments (0)

Former Australian captain and coach Des Connor has been inducted into the Wallabies Hall of Fame.

Connor, regarded as the best halfback of his day in the 1950s and '60s, played 12 Tests for the Wallabies before moving to New Zealand and playing another 12 Tests for the All Blacks.

Believed to be the only man to have played Test rugby for both trans-Tasman nations, he will be formally inducted on Saturday night before the Wallabies-All Blacks Tri Nations decider at Suncorp Stadium.

"It is also a Bledisloe Cup Test, and what more fitting occasion could there be to recognise the magnificent contribution Des has made to not only Australian Rugby but to the game on an international scale," said ARU president Paul McLean.

The Brisbane-raised Connor becomes the 14th former Australian Test player, and fourth halfback, to be admitted to the Wallabies Hall of Fame.

"I'm delighted to have been selected," he said.

"It adds significantly to what has already been such a rewarding time in rugby."

He coached the Wallabies from 1968 to 1971 and introduced the shortened lineout to the world as a "shock tactic" which almost led to an upset of the All Blacks at Ballymore in 1968.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

0 Comments about this article

Post a comment about this article

Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.

« All sports news