John Barrett Young

“Jack” Young was selected to tour South Africa in 1933 in what may well have been a selection bungle. Whilst a useful centre for Wests and later St.George, he did nothing to raise the interest of State selectors. Another J.Young (Jim), had already played for NSW that season from Norths and performed solidly. Why would the national selectors choose a player who had not appeared in any State matches or tour trials over a proven performer?

Nevertheless, Jack Young went away to the Republic and played in seven matches, scoring four tries. He was a popular, if erratic player on tour, defence not being his long suit. Returning to club football after the South African tour, he began improving his all-round game, but injury curtailed his career after 63 first grade matches.

Lawn bowls became Jack Young’s past-time later in life, along with many of his former teammates, until his passing in 1995 at the age of 84.

Young played his seven non-Test matches in 1933, would never again play for his country. He would play eight games for NSW from 1931 to 1934.

Danie Craven, the South African rugby legend, argued up to his death that the 1933 team was the best Australian team to tour South Africa. Young was not the only player who did not play much on tour. McPhillips played eight, Campbell seven, Donely eight, Ritter five, Warlow four and Morton six.

Young’s matches were against Natal, the first tour match, then the fifth against Griqualand West, the seventh against Rhodesia, next the eleventh against North-Eastern Districts, the sixteenth against Transvaal, the eighteenth against South –West Districts and the twenty-second, the University game.