Rugby Union: Eales will be tough act to follow

Australia will have a gaping hole to fill when their legendary lock John Eales hangs up his boots after the Tri-Nations clash with New Zealand on September 1.

He has announced that he will quit the playing side he has graced with such distinction and move into an advisory role with the Australian Rugby Union.

Eales, who captained his country in 52 Tests, including the 1999 World Cup win over France in Cardiff, was expected to finish alongside coach Rod Macqueen after last month’s Lions series but he could not resist one more top-level battle.

‘‘The game has been very kind to me and I’m thankful for the support I’ve received,’’ said Eales.

‘‘I would like to thank my family for their overwhelming support. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.’’

Former England centre Jeremy Guscott spoke of the esteem in which he held his one-time rival after hearing the news.

Guscott said: ‘‘John Eales, for me, has got to be one of the best second-rowers ever to play the game.

‘‘He brought a new dimension he was one of the first second-rowers to leap up to catch the ball, to get around the field and link with the backs.

‘‘He did more than the conventional and his record as captain and as a player was second to none.

‘‘He will be a great loss to Australia he is a legend. But I am sure that in time-honoured fashion they will find a replacement who will also go on to be a great player.’’

ARU chief executive John O’Neill spoke of his delight that Eales had accepted a non-playing role which will keep him at the forefront of his sport.

‘‘We are thrilled that John has agreed to fill this role,’’ he said. ‘‘Clearly, with his unparalleled reputation and standing in the game, domestically and internationally, he will add significant value to the Australian Rugby Union.’’

Former Wales captain and current coach of Leeds Tykes, Phil Davies, labelled Eales against whom he played when the Australian won his first cap in 1991 ‘‘one of the all-time greats’’.

‘‘He was a champion player and a good guy as well,’’ said Davies. ‘‘His skill level and his professionalism were there when he won his first cap.

‘‘His great ball skills and ability, agility in the line-outs and his athleticism, that’s what set him apart. He was outstanding. It wasn’t a very pleasant day for Wales we got hammered.

‘‘John Eales is up there with the top three over the past 15 years. They will miss him. He has been a catalyst for the team not just on the field, but off it. He was a special sort of player.’’