Jack Gage (rugby union)

John Harvey Gage (2 April 1907 — 30 June 1989) was a South African rugby union player. A dual-international, Gage represented both Ireland and South Africa during his career.

Jack Gage
Full nameJohn Harvey Gage
Date of birth(1907-04-02)2 April 1907
Place of birthWorcester, Cape Province, South Africa
Date of death30 June 1989(1989-06-30) (aged 82)
Place of deathMargate, Natal, South Africa
UniversityQueen's University Belfast
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1926–27 Ireland 4 (3)
1933 South Africa 1 (0)

Biography

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Raised in Cape Province, South Africa, Gage was a speedy wing three-quarter, capped four times for Ireland during his studies at Queen's University Belfast. He scored the winning try on debut against Scotland at Murrayfield in 1926, putting Ireland ahead with one minute remaining. Both Ireland and Scotland would go on to share the championship title.[1] After the 1927 Five Nations, Gage left Belfast for a civil service job in Basutoland.[2]

Gage toured with the Junior Springboks to Argentina in 1932 and the following year gained full Springboks representative honours, playing in a win over the Wallabies at Cape Town.[3]

During World War II, Gage served in the Parachute Regiment and was decorated with a Military Cross.[4]

Gage was reported to have still been playing rugby up until the age of 61, for Cape Town's Olympic Sports Club.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Dramatic Finish To Game At Murrayfield". Sunday Post. 28 February 1926.
  2. ^ "Gage's Rugby Future". Daily Express. 10 August 1927.
  3. ^ "Snapshots Of The Springboks; What They've Done". The Sun. 9 July 1933.
  4. ^ a b "Jack Gage retires – at 61". Belfast Telegraph. 27 April 1968.
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