The Australian Rugby community is mourning the loss of Wallaby No. 586 John Berne, who passed away on Monday at the age of 72.
Born in Belfast, John emigrated with his family to Australia in 1961 and played both rugby union and league in Sydney.
A physical and energetic player across fly half and centre, Berne was selected to Randwick’s first grade side in 1973 and made his rugby representative debut a year later for Sydney and New South Wales for matches against New Zealand and Victoria respectively.
His strong form was recognised with selection in the Wallabies squad for the 1975-76 tour of Great Britain and he received his first and only Test cap against Scotland at Murrayfield on December 6, 1975.
John is survived by wife Anne, sons Mick and Shaun and daughter Mairead.
Like his father, Mick played both rugby codes and featured with Leinster while Shaun played four seasons with the Waratahs ahead of successful stints with Bath, Leinster and Calvisano.
He has since coached with the Wallabies, Melbourne Rebels, Western Force and is currently Head Coach at Randwick.
On behalf of the Australian Rugby community, Rugby Australia extends its sincere condolences to the Berne family and John’s many teammates and friends.
