David Vincent Nucifora

David Nucifora was a fine, mobile hooker with an accurate lineout throw who persevered for eight years to be duly recognised at both state and national levels.

Described as a team man if there ever was one, Nucifora was a product of Brisbane Grammar School and the University of Queensland.

Due to an abundance of good No.2s Nucifora served and extended apprenticeship behind Tom Lawton and Mark McBain. Nucifora did not win his debut for Queensland until he was 27, against Mar Del Plata in Argentina. His big break came in 1991 when, after two strong performances for his state against Wales and then England, he was named in the Australian squad for the Rugby World Cup. Nucifora earned a Test debut in the Wallabies’ opening match of the tournament against Argentina and he returned home a World Champion.

In 1992, Nucifora was picked for the end-of-season tour to the U.K. and while he did not play a Test he was honoured with the captaincy for the uncapped match against Munster. He toured North America and France in late 1993 and picked up his second and final Test cap against Canada.

Nucifora won two Test caps in his three year international career.

Highlights

1991

Nucifora won his first Test cap off the bench when he replaced Phil Kearns at hooker in the 32-13 the Rugby World Cup victory over Argentina at Llanelli.

1993

Nucifora earned his second cap, also off the bench, when he again replaced Kearns in the 43-16 defeat of Canada in Calgary.