Mark Robert Connors

Born in Brisbane and educated at St Laurence’s College, Mark Connors was a latecomer to international rugby who enjoyed extraordinary success during his time in Wallaby gold. Connors was a highly intelligent, dedicated and extremely fit back-rower who more than adequately provided cover at lock and offered a very viable alternative at the line-out. After he left school Connors joined Souths (Brisbane) and in 1992 played for the Australian U21s. Two years later he debuted for Queensland against Mar del Plata and in 1995 he was part of the Reds championship winning Super 10 side.

In 1996, Connors enjoyed his first major break when he was picked for the Wallaby tour of Italy and the United Kingdom although he did not play a Test. He then waited for three years, and his 29th year, before he was capped at Test level, against South Africa in Brisbane. Connors won a spot in the Wallaby squad for the Rugby World Cup, played in all six Tests, and returned home as a World Champion. Mark Connors played 20 Tests for Australia during his two-year international career.

Highlights

1992

Represented Australian U21s against New Zealand U21s

1999

Connors won his first Test cap off the bench when he replaced Matt Cockbain at blindside flanker in the 32-6, 1st Test victory over South Africa in Brisbane. He made his run-on XV debut at lock and scored his first Test try, Australia’s only five-pointer of the match, in the 28-7, 2nd Test triumph over New Zealand in Sydney. Connors played a total of 10 Tests and all six at the Rugby World Cup.

2000

Connors earned 10 Test caps, three as a starting No.6 and the remaining seven as a replacement.