Angus Cottrell
Brisbane-born rugby union stalwart Angus Cottrell has cemented his reputation as an unrelenting player on the field at only 29 years old.
Named in the Wallabies squad for Rugby Championship Tests against South Africa and Argentina in 2018, and having overcome past injury to captain the Melbourne Rebels this year in Super Rugby, Angus is considered a formidable flanker.
Angus was perhaps destined for sporting prowess given he hails from impressive rugby pedigree. Angus’s father, Nev Cottrell Jnr, and his grandfather, Nev ‘Notchy’ Cottrell, were both Queensland representatives, with his legendary late grandad being the first hooker to captain the Wallabies.
Although he never got to see footage of his revered grandad in action, Angus admits being inspired by his many jerseys on display at home, remnants of Notchy’s 14 Tests and 1949 Bledisloe Cup victory over New Zealand.
Although he never got to see footage of his revered grandad in action, Angus admits being inspired by his many jerseys on display at home, remnants of Notchy’s 14 Tests and 1949 Bledisloe Cup victory over New Zealand.
‘He's always been a role model for me and playing for Australia is something I've always wanted to do," Angus told AAP in 2018.
‘I'm sure he'd be very proud. The reason I play is for my family and they've given so much for me to be here. I'll be doing my best to make them proud.’
Fitting his studies in with his demanding playing schedule, Angus is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Property and Real Estate at Deakin. He is also a member of the Elite Athlete Program which is offered to professional athletes to support them through their studies.
We wish Angus all the very best and will be keenly watching how his journey unfolds.