Nicholas Bryan Stiles

Nick Stiles was a highly mobile loosehead prop forward who made a strong contribution during the Wallabies’ golden era of 1998-2002. Born in Melbourne, Stiles moved to Queensland as a young boy and played his first football in Rockhampton. He attended St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace and played three years of 1st XV rugby, (1990-92), the final two as captain. Stiles joined Southern Districts in 1993 and was chosen to represent Queensland U21s in both 1993 and 1994 before he moved on to the University of Queensland.

In 1998, Stiles made his debut for Queensland against Hong Kong at Ballymore but had to wait for the retirement of Dan Crowley to secure a permanent position in the team. He was picked on the 2000 Wallaby Spring Tour and then the following year played his maiden Test against the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane. Stiles played all three Tests of the Lions’ series and later that year was in the team when a late Toutai Kefu try helped Australia to retain the Bledisloe Cup. Stiles played 12 Tests for Australia during his two-year international career.

Highlights

1992

Captained Australian Schools against New Zealand Schools.

2001

Stiles won his first Test cap in the run-on XV at loosehead prop in the 1st Test, 13-29 loss to the British & Irish Lions in Brisbane. He started all 11 internationals of the season and scored his lone Test try against Spain in Madrid.

2002

The return from injury of Bill Young limited Stiles’ opportunities although he did win a final Test cap in the 9-18 loss to Ireland in Dublin.