John James Pashley

Jack Pashley was a strong tackling, tireless flanker who was good enough to play Test rugby despite the high quality of competition for that position in the mid-to-late 1950s. Pashley, who was also noted for his speed to the loose ball and good hands, came from a noted Manly rugby family. Two of his uncles represented New South Wales - James (1931-32) and William (1933-35).

Born in Sydney, Pashley was educated at Manly High School and from there went on to play his club rugby with Manly.

In 1952 Pashley was selected in his first North Harbour versus South Harbour clash but waited two years for his first shot at provincial rugby. Fiji toured Australia in 1954 however at that same time the Australian Universities team was on tour in New Zealand under the captaincy of incumbent Wallaby flanker Mac Hughes. With Hughes unavailable, the New South Wales selectors chose Pashley to make his state debut against Queensland and then 11 days later play against Fiji. His performances earned him a call up for his Test debut in Brisbane. Although Hughes had returned from New Zealand, and played in the second NSW v. Fiji match, the selectors retained Pashley on the side of the scrum for the 2nd Test.

The following year he was chosen for his first Wallaby tour, to New Zealand, although John Thornett, Hughes and Keith Cross played on the flank in the Tests. A second opportunity at national level emerged in 1958 when Hughes stayed abroad after the Fourth Wallabies tour to further his career as an architect. As a consequence Pashley returned to the side after a four year absence and played in all three Tests against the Maori.

Jack Pashley played five Tests for Australia in a four-year, two season international career.

Highlights

1954

Pashley won his first Test cap at flanker alongside Keith Cross and Vince Heinrich in the 1st Test, 22-19 victory over Fiji at the Exhibition Ground. That backrow trio were retained for the 2nd Test, 16-18 loss at the S.C.G.

1958

Pashley started at flanker in all three home Tests against the New Zealand Maori.