Andrew Slack among six Wallaby captains named in AIC Rugby schoolboy First XV dream team

Grand Slam winning Wallaby captain Andrew Slack led his country on 19 occasions, but as memorable as any of his rugby union achievement was playing for Villanova College First XV in the AIC (Associated Independent Colleges) competition.

Grand Slam winning Wallaby captain Andrew Slack led his country on 19 occasions, but as memorable as any of his rugby union achievement was playing for Villanova College First XV in the AIC (Associated Independent Colleges) competition.

A gentleman of the code and in life, Slack left Villanova at the end of 1972 but time has not diminished the memories or broken the bonds.

“I always say nothing beat school First XV,’’ Slack said.

“You go out there through that tunnel of all the kids that would cheer you on

“At 16 or 17 that gets you cranked.

“You feel 12 foot tall.’’

Andrew Slack, who is now retired from Channel Nine, is one of the six Wallaby captains in an AIC dream team. Pic Jamie Hanson

Slack, who played 133 matches for Queensland, progressed to a decorated career with Souths, Queensland and Australia, including the captaining the 1984 Grand Slam tour and the 1986 Bledisloe Cup series win.

Slack said special bonds with his wonderful old Queensland and Australia mates from the 1970s and 1980s remain, but there was still something special in his heart about rugby at Villanova.

Villanova win AIC First XI cricket competition.

“You are with them (school friends) 365 days in the class room, the playground all year,’’ he said.

“It is a major connection to each other. It is very important.

“I am still friends with a good number of them.

“The best thing is nothing has exceeded the excitement of school footie.’’

The AIC season started last weekend with St Laurence’s College beating a brave St Paptrick’s 17-10, and will continue until mid-June.

St Patrick’s old boy Drew Mitchell. Picture: Brett Costello

To celebrate the start of the season, I have namied an AIC Dream Team.

The strength of this side is highlighted as much by those who did not make the XV.

Slack is one of six Wallaby captains in the XV which is an extraordinary assembly of international talent that highlights the AIC as a world class rugby breeding ground.

Fullback:

Drew Mitchell (St Patricks)

Wingers: Jeff McLean (St Edmunds)

Brendan Moon (Marist Ashgrove)

Centres:

Andrew Slack (Villanova)

Daniel Herbert (Marist Ashgrove)

Fly-half:

Paul McLean (St Edmunds)

Halfback:

Des Connor (Marist Ashgrove)

Backrow: Bill McLean (St Laurence’s), Charles Wilson (Marist Ashgrove), Sam Scott-Young (Marist Ashgrove)

Second row:

John Eales (Marist Ashgrove)

Mark Connors (St Laurence’s)

Front row

Nev Betts (St Laurence’s)

Nev Cottrell (St Laurence’s)

Dan Crowley (St Laurence’s)

Coach: John Connolly (Marist Ashgrove)

Manager: Doubles Daley (St Laurence’s)