John Thornett Cup

3 years ago

John Edward Thornett, Wallaby 410

Northern Suburbs & Sydney University 1st Grade will contest the John Thornett Cup in Saturdays round 12 match. The cup is currently held by Sydney University having reclaimed it with a win in round 6, 2019 at North Sydney Oval.

John Edward Thornett, MBE, is regarded as one of the Wallabies’ greatest captains having led the Wallabies in a remarkable 63 matches, 16 of which were Tests. Only Nick Farr-Jones (36) and Andrew Slack (19) exceeded his Test tally in the 96 year amateur era.




Extraordinarily, Thornett worked his way through the forward pack during his career, starting out as a flanker against the All Blacks in Wellington in 1955, before graduating after 15 Tests to the second-row against Fiji in 1961 before entering the final phase of his international career as a front-rower in his 27th Test against the Springboks in 1963.

Born in Sydney, Thornett was educated at Sydney Boys’ High School. After school, he enrolled at the University of Sydney where he began his club rugby career as a centre.

Following his studies, he played for Northern Suburbs from 1960, playing 126 matches and leading the team to five consecutive grand finals, including Shute Shield titles in 1960 and 1963.

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