Stephen Larkham

As of April 29, 2007 National September 8, 2007

Stephen Larkham (* May 29, 1974 in Canberra) is an Australian rugby union player who plays on the position of the connector. He was active until 2007 for the Brumbies in the Super 14 and the Australian national team. With the end of World Cup 2007, he finished his career in Australia and moved to Japan to the Ricoh Black Rams, where he signed a three-year contract. Larkham is one of eight players who have completed more than 100 international matches in their careers. His biggest success was the achievement of the World Champion title in 1999.

Career

Larkham began his career on the position of the circuit 's, but was later used by the then Australian coach Rod Macqueen on the connector position. He received his first use in the " Wallabies " on June 22, 1996 as a substitute against Wales. The first attempt he laid in 1997 against South Africa in his fifth international match. In July 1998 he moved to the position of the connector, which he retained until the end of his international career. First, the managers reaped a lot of criticism for the position change Larkhams because his skills at a similar level were not as a kicker like that of his competitors of the other major rugby nations. So he led during his career, not a single penalty kick for the team. His position, however, was never in danger because of his tactical ability and his creativity.

At the 1999 World Championships Larkham decided the semi-final match against the South African " Springboks " in the extension by a drop goal from about 40 meters to the surprise of his critics. This victory led Australia to the final, where they met France, who had previously defeated the favored New Zealanders. Australia won by 35:12 and was the second time after 1991 world champion and so until then the only team that had succeeded.

In the 2003 World Cup he again succeeded with the " Wallabies " the final. This time, however, they had to admit defeat England. The key points were again achieved by a drop goal in extra time, but this time it was Larkhams opponent Jonny Wilkinson, who decided the game. The last major tournament of his career was the 2007 World Championships, where he came just to use one in the opening match against Japan due to a knee injury. Before he could return, the Australians were eliminated in the quarter finals again against England. Together with his team-mates at the Brumbies George Gregan he ended his career as a national player and target a move to Europe. Ahead of the World Cup, he had already said goodbye to his club. In his last game succeeded the Brumbies to beat the New Zealand team Crusaders in the Super 14. Following this section, a grandstand named after Larkham and Gregan.

After his announcement that he would leave Australia, he agreed quickly with Edinburgh Rugby have a contract. However, the Scottish Association bought the club back a few weeks later by its then owner and did not have sufficient funds to pay Larkham. Then there was another knee injury that had him turned out for several months. This risk also other European clubs did not want to undergo, so he opted for a move to Japan. With the Ricoh Black Rams, he agreed on a three-year contract.