Stuart Grant Macdougall

Stuart Macdougall was a tough and mobile front row forward whose entry into international rugby came in the cauldron of controversy that was the 1971 Springbok tour of Australia. Born in Sydney, Macdougall was educated at Newington College where he played three seasons in the 1st XV (1963-65), the final year as captain. After school he joined the St George club before he moved to Dubbo and represented New South Wales Country. Having returned to Sydney, and stints with both Port Hacking and later St George, Macdougall moved to Canberra to manage the family business and played for Wests.

In 1971 Macdougall made his debut for New South Wales against Queensland, and despite not having played for his state against either the British Lions or the Springboks, made his Test debut in one of four changes for the third Test against South Africa at the S.C.G. He was also the fourth loosehead prop used in the Wallabies’ last four internationals.

In 1973 Macdougall won a place on his first Wallaby tour, to Wales, England and Italy before he was made vice-captain for the home series against New Zealand the following year.

In perhaps the pinnacle of his career Macdougall was chosen for the Sixth Wallabies tour to Britain and was honoured with the captaincy for the uncapped matches against London Counties at Twickenham and South of Scotland at Galashiels.

Stu Macdougall played eight Tests for Australia in a six-year international career. 

The Macdougall Medal is awarded annually for the ‘best and fairest’ of the ACT club competition.

Highlights

1971

Macdougall won his first Test cap at loosehead prop alongside fellow debutant Bob Thompson and Roy Prosser in the 6-18, 3rd Test defeat to South Africa in Sydney.

1973

He earned a single cap in the front row with Chris Carberry and Ron Graham in the 3-20 loss to England at Twickenham.

1974

Macdougall started all three Bledisloe Cup Tests, the first in partnership with two debutants - Peter Horton and John Meadows - and the final two with Horton and Graham.

1975

Macdougall played in both home Test wins against England.

1975/76

Selected on the Sixth Wallabies tour to Britain, Macdougall won his final cap in combination with Hortin and Steve Finnane in the 3-20 loss to England at Twickenham.