Andrew Thomas Blades (born 4 June 1967) is an Australian former rugby union player. He played for the Australia national team from 1992 to 1999. Blades was first chosen for the Wallabies match 22 in 1992 against the All Blacks but did not get on the field. Later that year he toured with the Wallabies to South Africa and the United Kingdom playing in non-test matches. His first test cap was not achieved until 1996 against Scotland. His last game for Australia was their victory over France in final of the 1999 Rugby World Cup.[1] After retiring from playing he became a coach, leading the Newcastle Falcons for two years before becoming the forwards coach for the Wallabies.[2]

Andrew Blades
Birth nameAndrew Thomas Blades
Date of birth (1967-06-04) 4 June 1967 (age 57)
Place of birthSydney, Australia
Height1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Weight110 kg (243 lb)
SchoolKillara High School
UniversityUniversity of Technology – Kuringgai
Notable relative(s)Cameron Blades
Occupation(s)Rugby Coach
Rugby union career
Position(s) Coach
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1986-1994 Gordon RFC ()
1995 Souths Rugby ()
1996-1999 Gordon RFC ()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1992-1994 NSW Waratahs 49 (4)
1995 Queensland Reds 11 ()
1996-1999 NSW Waratahs ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1992-1999 Australia 32

His brother Cameron also played for the Australia national team.

References

edit