Peter William Lucas

Peter Lucas was a tireless flanker who, through no fault of his own, found himself involved in two of the most contentious Wallaby selections of the 1980s. A devastating runner with the ball, lightning fast to the breakdown and a dynamic defender, Lucas had a colourful rugby life. Born in northern New South Wales at Inverell, Lucas lived in Fiji for two years before he returned to Sydney and played junior rugby for South Hurstville Royals and later for Peakhurst-Lugarno.

The Lucas family moved on to the U.S.A. and then relocated to Hong Kong where Peter was selected at centre for the 1974 Asian Games alongside Wallaby #490 Jules Guerassimoff. Lucas returned to Australia and in 1978 found himself studying in Wollongong where he played for the Shamrocks club under Wallaby #555 Barry Stumbles. He played his first local representative rugby for NSW Country against Sydney in 1978 and again in 1979. The following season Lucas linked up with St. George in the Shute Shield competition.

A year later Lucas made his debut for Sydney and then, without having played a single match for NSW, was chosen for the Wallaby tour of the U.K. ahead of Randwick’s nine-Test capped Gary Pearse. Pearse’s non-selection unleashed a storm of criticism in rugby circles and in the media. Nonetheless Lucas more than held his own albeit without winning a Test cap. With Mark Loane and Tony Shaw unavailable for the 1982 Wallaby tour to New Zealand, Lucas again won selection and deservedly made his Test debut in Christchurch.

The following year Lucas himself was a shock omission from the 1983 Wallaby tour to France and Italy despite having once again claimed the best and fairest award in Sydney first grade. Lucas made one more Wallaby tour, to Fiji in 1984, but did not add to his three Test caps.

Highlights

1982

Lucas won his first Test cap at No.8 flanked by Simon Poidevin and Chris Roche in the 1st Test, 16-23 loss to New Zealand at Lancaster Park. That same backrow trio were retained for the 2nd Test, 19-16 victory in Wellington and the 3rd Test, 18-33 loss in Auckland. Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s.

1983

Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s.

1984

Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s.

1985

Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s.

1986

Represented Australia at the Hong Kong 7s.