Tim Horan AM
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Tim Horan AM

Rugby World Cup Champion

Tim Horan is one of the greatest centres rugby union has ever seen. Electrifying pace, rock-solid defence, an ability to read the play like a book, lethal with ball in hand… he offered it all during his sparkling 11-year Test career with the Wallabies.

Tim made his Test debut at just 19 years of age against the All Blacks on August 5, 1989. Australia lost that match 24-12 but he earned the respect of all, becoming one of the best centres in the world throughout the 90s. Two years later at the 1991 World Cup, Tim was crucial to the Wallabies success, most notably when he scored from David Campese’s memorable over-the-shoulder, no-look pass in the semi against New Zealand. No try has been given as much replay time since.

1997 saw him play his 50th cap, won in a Test against New Zealand in Christchurch, whilst in the next game against England he scored a try to become the sixth Australian player to reach 100 points. He then missed several Tests due to a fractured thumb and was thus spared the horror of a 61-22 Tri-Nations defeat by South Africa. The injury healed in time for the UK tour, and in an otherwise forgettable 15 all draw with England at Twickenham, he gave one of his best ever performances, sending Ben Tune George Gregan over for a try apiece.

In 1998 Australia showed renewed determination in their effort to return to world class status and began the year with a spectacular 76-0 drubbing of England, a game in which he bagged two tries. He then helped the Aussies to a 3-0 win in the Bledisloe Cup, though they were denied a first ever Tri-Nations title by South Africa.

In 1999, Tim became Australia’s third most capped player and most capped Australian centre, playing a vital role in Australia winning the tournament, its second World Cup victory. He was masterful throughout and in several games seemed to be dictating the pace and pattern of play all by himself. He won every award going around, and was announced Player of the Tournament, winning a year’s worth of Guinness.

Tim surprised many the following season when he announced his retirement from international rugby to play out his career with the famous Saracens club in England. His final game for Australia was on June 17, 2000, against Argentina in Brisbane, where Australia won 53-6. Some considered it too soon; but he knew what he was doing, he wanted to go out a winner. And he did. Tim Horan retired with 80 Test caps, 114 state caps, 130 points and 40 tries.

Tim retains an avid interest in the game enjoying roles as a national selector and a regular rugby commentator. Tim is a current Board Member of the Australian Rugby Foundation and prior to that was the National Head of Sports and Entertainment Division at Westpac and a Board Member of Tourism and Events Queensland.

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