Australian Rugby today announced the passing of Wallaby number 360 and former Wallabies captain Nev Cottrell at the age of 87. He passed away peacefully on Friday.
On behalf of Australian Rugby, Australian Rugby Union President David Crombie passed on condolences to the family.
“Nev played 23 times for Australia, earning 14 Test caps and he captained his country, being the first hooker to do so.
“He also has the honour of being a part of an excellent Wallaby team. The 1949 Wallabies was the first Australian side to defeat the All Blacks in a series in New Zealand.
“Nev or “Notchy” as he was affectionately known was generous with his time and he was a mentor to many young players who played with his old club Souths and also with Queensland”.
“He was a great servant to Australian Rugby, the entire Rugby community will mourn his passing and our thoughts are with Nev’s family.”
Cottrell was born in 1927 in Brisbane and attended St Laurence’s College.
Playing his club career at West End and Souths, Cottrell’s first break in representative Rugby came when he was 20 years old, playing for Queensland against the All Blacks.
It was to be a long association with Queensland, with Cottrell playing with the side from 1947-1955.
In 1949, Cottrell received his first Test cap when he was given the chance to play for Australia in a three-match series against a touring New Zealand Maori side.
Later the same year, Cottrell went on his first Rugby tour to New Zealand.
This Australian side has gone down in Rugby history as the first to wrestle back the Bledisloe Cup to Australian shores, with the Wallabies winning 11 of their 12 matches, including two Test matches.
Cottrell’s Rugby legacy lives on through his grandson, Angus Cottrell who is a current contracted player at the Western Force.
He is survived by his wife, Margot and children Nev Jr, Peter, Glen and Lisa.
