The Australian rugby community is mourning the loss of Wallaby #462, Dr John O’Gorman, who passed away earlier this week aged 88.
Tall and dexterous, O'Gorman was part of the solid forward nucleus that carried Australia to several memorable Test wins in the 1960s.
A fully committed and highly very skilled backrower, O’Gorman would undoubtedly have played many more Tests for Australia had it not been for his dedication to medicine.
Born in Sydney, O’Gorman was educated at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill where he played in the backs until immortal coach Brother Henry moved him to No.8 in his second and final year in the school’s 1st XV (1953-54).
He then enrolled to study medicine and play his club rugby at the University of Sydney.
Studies occupied much of his time and O’Gorman was a mature forward, 24 years of age, when he made this senior representative debut for New South Wales against Queensland in 1961.
Two months later he was selected to make his Test debut against Fiji in Brisbane and was then chosen for his first Wallaby tour to South Africa.
O’Gorman played in all six matches and returned home a much better player for the experience.
In 1962, he made his only appearance against the All Blacks and gave a sterling display after being introduced to put more starch into the pack following an insipid 1st Test, 6-20 defeat.
O’Gorman returned to South Africa in 1963 and was both a workhorse and a star. He played 15 of the 24 matches, including all four Tests, and was one of the rocks on which this team's successful foundation was built.
Two career highlights followed. In 1965, O’Gorman played both Tests when Australia defeated South Africa in a series for the first time and then in 1966/67 he played all five Tests on the Fifth Wallabies tour to the British Isles, Ireland, France and Canada.
John O’Gorman played 18 Tests for Australia in a seven-year international career.
He is survived by sons Jeremy and John.
A memorial service will be held in late January or early February. Details to follow.
