Ian Edmund Joseph Moutray

Ian Moutray was a determined, lean and skilful centre three-quarter whose career was both hampered and ended by injury. Nonetheless he did have the distinction of being part of one of the most successful Wallaby teams ever to play in South Africa.

An outstanding, resolute defender, Moutray was born in Sydney and educated at Fort Street High School. He played his club rugby with Drummoyne where his performances put him in the running for a place in the Fourth Wallabies team to Britain in 1957/58. Unfortunately, a broken leg ruled him out of contention.

In 1959 Moutray made his debut for New South Wales against Queensland but was soon sidelined again, this time with a broken pelvis. Moutray played soccer as the injury healed and although he returned to win a handful of state caps in 1961 it was not until 1963 that his luck appeared to turn with selection for the Wallaby tour to South Africa. Moutray made a solid start to the tour and a ‘fine display of tackling and attacking running’ against South-West Districts at Mossel Bay earned him a Test debut in Cape Town despite a worrying calf strain that had his place in doubt until match day.

A week later Moutray badly hurt his left shoulder against the Junior Springboks and the injury effectively ended his rugby career.

Ian Moutray played one Test for Australia and will always be Wallaby #491.

Highlights

1963

Moutray won his first Test cap at outside centre alongside Beres Ellwood in the 2nd Test, 9-5 win over South Africa at Newlands.