Michael Hawker

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Michael Hawker
Full nameMichael John Hawker
Date of birth (1959-10-11) 11 October 1959 (age 64)
Place of birthWellington, NSW, Australia
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1980–87 Australia 25 (32)

Michael John Hawker AM (born 11 October 1959) is an Australian former rugby union international. He was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia in 2010 for services to the financial industry and community.[1]

Hawker, born in Wellington, New South Wales, attended Sydney Church of England Grammar School and was an Australian Schoolboys rugby representative, featuring on the unbeaten 1977–78 touring side.[2] He went on to study at the University of Sydney, where he attained a Bachelor of Science degree.[3]

Mainly a centre, Hawker was capped 25 times for the Wallabies during the 1980s. After debuting as a 20-year old against Fiji in Suva, he surprisingly received the vice captaincy a month later for a home series against the All Blacks. He remained a candidate for the Test captaincy in future years, but ultimately would only lead the team in uncapped matches, including on the 1981–82 tour of Britain and Ireland.[4] His kicking was not a particular strength, but in the 1982 Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park, he memorably kicked a drop goal from over 50 metres out.[5]

Hawker is a former Insurance Australia Group CEO and served on the board of Westpac from 2020 to 2023.[6]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Michael Hawker". Business News.
  2. ^ "Michael John Hawker". classicwallabies.com.au.
  3. ^ "The Top 50 So How Did They Get There?". Australian Financial Review. 13 October 2006.
  4. ^ "Hawker aims to captain Australia". The Canberra Times. 24 March 1983. p. 24 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ^ "Wallaby series hopes smashed by Hewson". The Canberra Times. 12 September 1982. p. 23 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ^ Penny, Jessica (17 July 2023). "Michael Hawker to leave Westpac board". Investor Daily.

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