Julian Michael Harold Gardner

Julian Gardner was a combative, aggressive and strong of character flanker who played international rugby for two countries. He ran hard and straight, was a ferocious tackler, and while respectful gave no quarter to the opposition regardless of reputation. At 102kgs and 190cms Gardner also provided a handy third option at the back of the lineout.

Born and bred in Brisbane, Gardner’s early rugby was moulded at Brisbane Boys’ College and Brisbane Grammar School. He played 1st XV at each school, the first under the tutelage of Peter Horton (Wallaby #569) and second for renowned forward guru and uncapped Wallaby Alec Evans at BGS.

Gardner went on to represent Australia at schools, aged level and eventually in 7s over the following ten years. During that period he patiently bided his time behind Simon Poidevin and Jeff Miller before an injury to Poidevin gave Gardner the opportunity to make his Test debut in the first match of the 1987 away series against Argentina. 

A true rugby man, Julian Gardner played four Tests for Australia in two seasons however that was not the end of his international career given Gardner’s mother was Italian by birth. From 1992 until 1998 he played 20 Tests for the Azzurri and was selected in their squad for the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Highlights

1982

Selected in the Australian Schools squad for their tour to New Zealand.

1984

Represented Australian U21s when they defeated New Zealand Colts 12-10 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

1985

Represented Australian U21s against New Zealand Colts, Western Samoa U21, Tonga U21 & Fiji U21

1987

Gardner won his first Test cap as a flanker in partnership with Tim Gavin and Jeff Miller in the 2nd Test, 19-27 loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires.

1988

Gardner started the opening Test of the year against England (22-16) in Brisbane however despite the win he was one of three players to miss selection for the second match of the series. He returned to the side of the scrum for the 1st Test of the Bledisloe Cup however the heavy 7-32 loss saw four players, Gardner included, not play in either the second or third matches. His final cap was earned on the end-of-season northern hemisphere tour in the 19-28 loss to England at Twickenham. Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s.

1989

Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s.

1991

Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s