John Eales is a former Australian and Queensland Reds rugby union player, he is the most successful Australian captain in the history of rugby union and is a dual World Cup winner. Born in Brisbane, Queensland, he played for local side the Queensland Reds throughout his whole domestic career.
Playing at lock or number 8, Eales built one of the greatest rugby union careers. Playing for Queensland, Eales was nicknamed ‘Nobody’, because ‘Nobody’s perfect’. A fitting nickname for a player with a near perfect career. He joined Queensland in 1990 and enjoyed an 11-year stint with the club, he played 112 times for them and enjoyed lots of success.
He made his debut for Australia in 1991, he played in the 1991 Rugby World Cup and tasted international success for the first time. Australia won the final 12-6 against England, Eales started the match and put in a fantastic performance which helped his side win the prestigious trophy. Eales became the Australia captain after 31 appearances and went on to captain the side in 55 Tests.
Eales captained the side in the 1999 World Cup, a memorable campaign for both Eales and every Australian rugby fan. Australia played extremely well with Eales playing an integral part in the squad, they made it to the final where they would play France; the Australians came out on top and won 35-12, this was Eales’ second World Cup win and his first as captain.
Eales career continued to be successful and when he announced his retirement in 2001 he had broken a number of records, he retired as the most-capped lock of all time but has since been passed. Since retiring, Eales has written two books that have been extremely successful, he is also a director on the board of the Australian Rugby Union.
A charismatic, witty and humble personality, Eales will add an abundance of knowledge and expertise to your corporate event or function. As a rugby speaker, Eales often discusses his successful career but also discusses teamwork and leadership, maximising success and peak performance.
