Laurence John Weatherstone

John Weatherstone was a versatile fly half / centre with outstanding handling skills who overcame mid-career injuries to finally achieve national honours. A grim and determined defender, Weatherstone had great flair in attack, a quick eye for the gap, and a sharp change of pace to put him through it.

Born in Yass, Weatherstone played his first rugby at St Patrick’s College, Bathurst. From there he moved to Canberra and played his rugby with Western Districts Club. One of the great influences on his rugby was Wests’ coach John Dowse (Wallaby #457) who played four Tests for the Wallabies in the 1960s.

In 1970 Weatherstone made his senior representative debut for the ACT, NSW Country and New South Wales and he toured Japan with the Australian Colts in 1972 however injuries and work commitments combined to curtail his progress for the next several years.

In 1975 Weatherstone played for the ACT when they upset Sydney 21-6 and he then captained The Rest to a narrow 15-18 loss to Australia in what was essentially a Wallaby trial. His solid form in those matches earned him a Test debut against England in Sydney.

Weatherstone was then selected on the Sixth Wallabies tour to the U.K. and played in three of the four internationals against the Home Nations. He retired from international rugby in 1976 when he declared himself unavailable for the tour to France and Italy.

John Weatherstone played seven Tests for Australia in a two-year international career.

Highlights

1975

Weatherstone won his first Test cap at outside centre alongside Geoff Shaw in the 1st Test, 16-9 victory over England in Sydney. He and Shaw were retained as the centre pairing for the 2nd Test of the England series and both internationals against Japan. Weatherstone scored his first Test try in the 30-21, 2nd Test victory over England in Brisbane.

1975/76

Weatherstone came off the bench to replace John Berne at inside centre in the 3-10 loss to Scotland. He missed the Test against Wales but was selected at fly half for the final two Home Nations’ internationals against Ireland and England.