Nickname Frank 1924–27 University of Sydney 15 29 | Position Centre 34 15 Other name Frank | |
Full name Augustine Francis O'Rourke Died 24 November 1994, Cronulla, Australia | ||
A. Frank O'Rourke was a professional rugby league footballer of the 1920s, and 1930s, playing at representative level for New South Wales, and City, and at club level for University of Sydney (twice), and Leeds, as a Centre, i.e. number 3 or 4.
Contents
Playing career
Born at Hinton, near Morpeth, New South Wales in 1906, he learned Rugby League while attending Marist Brothers High School in West Maitalnd, and continued with the sport whilst attending the University of Sydney in the early 1920s. He usually played on the wing, and was highly regarded as a future representative player. He went on to captain the club during 1926 and 1927.
Representative honours
Frank O'Rourke represented New South Wales, and City, while at University of Sydney. He played first grade for the 'varsity' team for four seasons between 1924-1927. After he returned from England, he played one last season for University in 1934.
NSWRFL premiership Final appearances
Frank O'Rourke played Centre in University of Sydney's 5-11 defeat by South Sydney in the 1926 New South Wales Rugby League premiership Final at Royal Agricultural Society Grounds, Sydney on 18 September 1926.
Challenge Cup Final appearances
Frank O'Rourke moved to Leeds University in England to secure his B.A. and immediately joined the Leeds rugby league club where his had huge success. During his three years at Leeds University, he and his wife depended entirely on his rugby league earnings from the Leeds club to survive. After obtaining his university degree, he stayed at Leeds for a further three seasons. O'Rourke went on to play Centre in Leeds' 11-8 victory over Swinton in the 1932 Challenge Cup Final during the 1931-32 season at Central Park, Wigan.
County Cup Final appearances
Frank O'Rourke played Centre in Leeds' 5-0 victory over Featherstone Rovers in the 1928 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1928–29 season at Belle Vue, Wakefield on Saturday 24 November 1928, the 10-2 victory over Huddersfield in the 1930 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1928–29 season at Thrum Hall, Halifax on Saturday 22 November 1930, and the 8-0 victory over Wakefield Trinity in the 1932 Yorkshire County Cup Final during the 1932–33 season at Fartown Ground, Huddersfield on Saturday 19 November 1932.
Post Playing Career
Frank coached at Sydney Boys High School in the 1940s, coaching players such as Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks player George Taylforth, St. George Dragons premiership winning halfback George Evans (1962, 1963, 1964, 1965) and 1991 World Cup Winning Australia rugby union coach Bob Dwyer.
Frank O'Rourke died at the Stella Maris Nursing Home, Cronulla on 24 November 1994, aged 88.