James Victor Brown

Jim Brown was an outstanding schoolboy rugby player who vaulted into the national selection frame in the mid-1950s only to walk away from the game aged just 24. A tough, robust and aggressive hooker, Brown earned a reputation as a tireless, non-stop worker who never took a backward step.

Born in Sydney, Brown was educated at Newington College where he played three years in the 1st XV (1949-51) and two seasons in the GPS 1st XV. After graduation Brown moved to Randwick and it was there that he made his First Grade debut in 1953. Two years later Brown played his first provincial rugby when chosen for New South Wales against Queensland at the Exhibition Ground.

In 1956 South Africa toured Australia for a two Test series. Brown won state selection ahead of incumbent Wallaby hooker Jim Cross and justifiably earned a call up for his Test debut in Sydney. From that debut, Brown started in nine consecutive Tests through to the end for the Fourth Wallabies tour to the British Isles, France and North America in early 1958. Privately dissatisfied with the way the 1957/58 tour was conducted, Brown retired from rugby upon his return to Australia.

Jim Brown played nine Tests for Australia in a three-year international career.

Highlights

1956

Brown won his first Test cap propped by Col Forbes and Nick Shehadie in the 1st Test, 0-9 loss to South Africa at the S.C.G. That same front row was retained a week later for the 2nd Test, 0-9 defeat in Brisbane.

1957

Brown played in both home Test losses to New Zealand.

1957/58

Brown started in all five Tests of the Fourth Wallabies’ tour against Wales, Ireland, England, Scotland and France. Bob Davidson was his tighthead prop in each match. Nick Shehadie played against Ireland before Geoff Vaughan packed down on the loose head side for the final four Tests.