Stanley Gordon Osler

Sharkey Osler
Full names: Stanley Gordon
Date of birth: 31 Jan 1907
Place of birth: Aliwal North
Schools: Rondebosch Kingswood College
Springbok no: 193
Debut test province: Western Province
Physical: 1.68m, 65.8kg
Date of death: 16 Apr 1980 (Age 73)

Test summary: Tests: 1 Tries: 0
First Test: 30 Jun 1928 Age:21 Outside Centre against New Zealand at Kingsmead, Durban
Last Test: 30 Jun 1928 Age:21 Outside Centre against New Zealand at Kingsmead, Durban

Test history:
Date Age Position Opponent Result Score Venue Prov
30 Jun 1928 21 Outside Centre New Zealand Win: 17-0 Kingsmead, Durban WP

Sharkey Osler : Doc Craven
I admired Stanley because of his outlook on the game. To him rugby was an adventure; that was what it was all about.

I played opposite him once when he played scrumhalf in an intervarsity game. There were three Oslers in the team that day: T G, Duxie and Stanley. Years later when I went to St Andrew's he was at Kingswood playing fullback. He came into the line often and how he could cut the defence to pieces.

He played for fun but his conduct on and off the field was an example to all. He lived what he preached and was a wonderful man to know. His rugby ability took second place to his natural qualities.

On the 1931/32 tour we played against Oxford and his brother Bennie was opposite him for the Springboks. Stanley's knee was bothering him, and eventually he was badly injured and had to be carried off. I'll never forget the sight of Bennie standing on the field of play with tears streaming down his cheeks - true brotherly love. He realised that "Sharkey" (as he called him) had reached the end of the line. I wish we had more men such as Stanley Osler in rugby. He could fit in anywhere - a second Paul Roos and such a wonderful example to the youth of his country.