Rugby mourns the passing of Roy Prosser

Australian Rugby is mourning the death of Classic Wallaby Roy Prosser, who passed away in Brisbane overnight

Australian Rugby is in mourning following the sudden death of former long-serving Wallabies forward Roy Prosser.

Once Australia’s most-capped prop with 25 Test appearances from 1967-1972, Prosser passed away in Brisbane last night following a heart attack.

“It is an absolutely tragic loss to our game,” said Australian Rugby Union president Paul McLean.

“Roy was one of Rugby’s all time great people.

“He had friends around the world; he was extremely well loved by the entire Wallabies family; and in many ways you would never meet a more generous person.

“His career on the field was also highly distinguished.”

Prosser made his Test debut on the 1966-67 tour to the UK and Ireland.

A 23-11 victory over England at Twickenham marked his entry to the international ranks while, over the next six seasons, he would take on the might of the All Blacks and Springboks on 13 occasions.

Having played in Australian sides captained by Ken Catchpole, John Thornett, Peter Johnson and Greg Davis, Prosser played his final Test at Buckhurst Park, Suva, in 1972 where Australia defeated Fiji 21-19.

Born in Sydney on 18 February 1941, Prosser learned his Rugby at Newington College before joining the Northern Suburbs club where he made 220 first grade appearances and played 236 games in all.

The 1960’s was a golden era for Norths and Prosser figured in three first-grade premiership winning sides. He also played 24 games for NSW from 1963-1972.

In the mid-1970’s he moved to Brisbane and was captain-coach when Western Districts won its inaugural top grade premiership in 1977.

Prosser was coach when future Wallaby fullback Roger Gould made his debut with the club. He also assisted another Test star in Stan Pilecki through his early years in representative football.