John Eales
John Eales is a former Australian rugby union player, widely regarded as one of the greatest locks in the history of the sport. Born on December 27, 1970, in Queensland, Eales captained the Wallabies to their first Rugby World Cup victory in 1999 and is known for his exceptional leadership skills and athletic ability. Over his illustrious career, he earned 86 caps for Australia, scoring 173 points, and is remembered for his pivotal role in the team's success during the 1990s and early 2000s. Following his retirement, Eales has remained involved in rugby as a commentator and mentor, contributing to the sport's growth and development in Australia.
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Recent news mentions
John Eales is a rugby great who mentored Cooper Woods.
How two legends from other sports helped put pair on path to Winter Olympics glory
Australia· 2026-02-16
John Eales is a wonderful guy who mentored Cooper Woods and shared his strategy to help him prepare for competition.
Cooper Woods reveals John Eales’ mentoring behind gold medal winAustralia· 2026-02-12
He has credited former Wallabies captain John Eales for helping him refine his mental preparation for competition.
Cooper Woods wins Australia’s first gold medal at Milano CortinaAustralia· 2026-02-12
John Eales is referenced regarding his neutral stance on the Rugby World Cup.
The NRL can do nothing to stop rugby’s raids. And more stars may followAustralia· 2026-02-07
John Eales is a rugby great expected to attend.
Main race to jump at 3pm; follow blog updates on horses, tips, odds and fashionAustralia· 2025-11-03
Champion de Crespigny looked up to John Eales as a child.
Japan coach enjoys prospect of beating much changed Wallabies in Test in TokyoAustralia· 2025-10-24
The famous 2000 Test in Wellington was decided by John Eales’ kick after full-time.
Bledisloe Cup 2025: Can the Wallabies break the drought against the All Blacks?Australia· 2025-09-22
John Eales kicked a conversion to take the lead.
All Blacks biggest defeat: Where does record loss to Springboks rank among the side’s most painful defeats?
New Zealand· 2025-09-17
Former Wallabies captain John Eales was inducted into the hall of fame.
Cathy Freeman returns to Olympic stadium 25 years on as first inductee into hall of fameAustralia· 2025-09-15
John Eales received a message from Eddie McGuire after the match.
A golden effort, a cruel ending, a classic for the agesAustralia· 2025-07-26
John Eales is celebrated as the mastermind of the memorable series triumph in 2001.
Un-Australian, tepid and toothless. Wallabies slammed over first Test performanceAustralia· 2025-07-20
John Eales led his country to victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2001.
How Eales and the Wallabies stunned the Lions in AustraliaAustralia· 2025-07-14
John Eales is another historical figure in Australian rugby referenced in the context of capturing the country's imagination.
Lions unlikely to be troubled by weakened Waratahs – The Irish Times
Ireland· 2025-07-04
