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George Gregan Article

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George Gregan

Gregan was born, 19 April 1973. Not only has he played throughout the professional era, but he has also played throughout the amateur era, one of the last players to do so.

Gregan plays scrum half for the Australian national team, and the ACT Brumbies of the Super 14. It should also be noted that he has earned the most caps of any player who has ever played the game. In total, Gregan has 123 test caps. His record test caps is not what makes Gregan a world renowoned player either. He is respected throughout the rugby world for his tenacity, tactical skill, leadership ability, and sportsmanship, and is also known for his 'talk-back' to referees.

Gregan has represented Australia for longer than his national team career suggests also. He is also another player to come up through the ranks, playing for both the Australia U19 and Australia U21 teams. In 1994 George Gregan made his first international appearance. In 1997 he was elevated to vice captain of the Wallabies, thus serving this role when Australia marched to the World Cup 1999 finals, and then became champions. In 2001 Australia legend Jason Eales retired, and George Gregan was elevated to captain of Australia, 7 years after his test debut.

In 2003, Gregan led his Wallabies to the World Cup Final on their home turf in Sydney. Gregan played a vital role in leading the Wallabies that far, scoring a crucial drop goal in the waining minutes of a 17-16 victory over Ireland in pool play. The Wallabies then went on to the final and lost to a great England squad.

In 2004 Gregan was appointed to the Order of Australia for his services to Rugby Union Football and as the Captain of the Wallabies. In October tragedy struck the Gregan family as he announced that his son, had epilepsy. Because of this, Gregan has launched an epilepsy awareness campaign in Australia with the slogan 'Get on the Team'. He also took up the role of patron of Brainwave Australia.

In 2005, George missed most of the Super 14 season after breaking his fibula in a game against the Waratahs. Later that year in his first start since the break, Gregan matched Englands Jason Leonard for the most capped player ever, with his 114th cap. Despite his 114th cap, critics called for Gregans head through most of the Wallabies eight game losing streak.

On November 5 2005 George Gregan earned his 115th cap against France. Thus surpassing Jason Leonard for the most caps all time.

Last month, Gregan silenced his critics with strong performances against England, and by the end of the summer tours had earned his 123rd test cap.
 

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