John Alfred ‘Jack’ Ford

Rugby Union

'Jack' Ford, a big 98 kg 6 foot lock with the devastating pace and positional intelligence of a three-quarter, was one of the greatest forwards to play for Australia.

He belongs to one of the most exclusive clubs in Australian rugby - those players who have made a three-Test series whitewash of the All Blacks. Ford scored a try in the corner as Australia came from behind to win the third Test 15-13 in Sydney in 1929.

Ford's international debut had came on the NSW Waratahs tour of New Zealand in 1925. The Waratahs were the first colonial team to be invited to play internationally. But it was his brilliant play on the 1927-28 Waratahs tour of Britain and France that brought him widespread acclaim. The team was rewarded with a remarkable welcome home parade and reception at Sydney Town Hall.

'Jack' Ford retired after Australia's victory over Great Britain in 1930, a winner in all his four Tests. He became an Australian selector.