Scott Nicholas Gelling Staniforth

Born in West Wyalong and a graduate of All Saints' College, Bathurst, Scott Staniforth had a strong family sporting pedigree. His uncle Tony Gelling was Wallaby #554, grandfather Ray Gelling was an Australian Snow Skiing Champion and each of Staniforth’s three brothers played some level of representative rugby.

A three-quarter of blistering pace, Staniforth had an inherent sense of position and certainly knew his way to the tryline. After he graduated from All Saints’ Staniforth represented Australia at schools and aged levels.

In 1997, Staniforth made his provincial debut for New South Wales against Border Reivers in Melrose, Scotland. Two years later he won selection to his first Rugby World Cup, a selection that was helped by his versatility given he could play anywhere from inside centre to fullback. Staniforth made his Test debut against the U.S.A. in Limerick however rugby’s fascination with rugby league converts and a stint in the U.K. with London Irish restricted Staniforth to just two further caps over the next six years.

He returned to Australia in 2006 and joined the Western Force. His form saw him return to the Wallabies’ fold and the following year he won a spot in the squad for his second Rugby World Cup.

Scott Staniforth played 12 Tests for Australia over his eight-year, four season international career.

Highlights

1995

Selected in the Australian Schools squad to play New Zealand Schools.

1996

Represented Australian U19s

1997

Represented Australian U21s when they won the Southern Hemisphere tournament.

1999

Staniforth won his first Test cap as the starting right winger in the 55-19, pool match victory over the United States at the Rugby World Cup. He scored two tries to become the 80th Wallaby to score a try on debut.

2000/01

Represented Australia in the IRB Sevens World Series.

2001

Represented Australian U21s.

2002

Staniforth was picked for the Spring Tour and won caps against Ireland in Dublin and Italy in Genova.

2006

Almost four years after he won his third cap Staniforth earned a fourth when he came off the bench to replace Stephen Larkham in the 16-24, 3rd Test loss to South Africa in Johannesburg. He was also capped against Ireland, as a replacement, and then Scotland, at inside centre, on the Spring Tour

2007

Staniforth played a career high six Tests in 2007 and scored the match-winning try in the 20-15 upset win over New Zealand in Melbourne. At the World Cup he won his final two caps, against Wales and Fiji.