The Australian rugby legend Ken Catchpole has died aged 78, after a long illness.
Catchpole, who played 27 Tests from 1961 including 13 as captain, is revered as one of Australian rugby's greatest players.
Former Wallabies halfback Ken Catchpole next to the statue recognising his rugby feats. Photo: Supplied: ARU
The halfback is immortalised with a statue outside the Sydney Football stadium.
Catchpole had his playing career ended by the late All Black Sir Colin Meads, when in the first match of a two test series in 1968, Meads grabbed and wrenched Catchpole's leg while he was pinned under a ruck, tearing his hamstring off the bone, and severely rupturing his groin muscles.
Ken Catchpole in action against the All Blacks. Photo: Supplied
The former All Blacks halfback Chris Laidlaw said in his autobiography "others have made contributions to techniques in passing, kicking, and running, but as the supreme exponent of all the skills Catchpole stands beyond rivalry."
Catchpole's death continues a sad week for Australian rugby, with 18-test Wallaby and Queensland hard-man Stan Pilecki passing on Wednesday at the age of 70.
