18-test Wallaby and German-born Stan Pilecki dies aged 70
Dec 20, 2017
German-born Stan Pilecki, who played 18 test matches for the Wallabies over a seven-year international career, has died
SYDNEY — German-born Stan Pilecki, who played 18 test matches for the Wallabies over a seven-year international career, has died. He was 70.
Rugby Australia said Wednesday that Pilecki, who became the first player to appear in 100 matches for Queensland state, died earlier in the day at his home in Brisbane.
Pilecki played his first test match at the age of 31 before tours of Britain, New Zealand, Fiji and Argentina.
He was born in a German refugee camp in 1947 before his family migrated to Australia three years later. The top award in Queensland rugby is the Pilecki Medal, named in his honor.
Rugby Australia president Tony Shaw says "we've lost one, if not the greatest, characters of our sport."
