James Holbeck had an injury stricken career and was unlucky in the fact that he made only seven appearances for Australia playing against New Zealand, England, South Africa and the British and Irish Lions.
Born in Ipswich, Queensland, James was educated at The Armidale School in NSW and Sydney Boys’ High School.
He was a hard-running, attacking centre with the ability to break the strongest defence, and he was also adept at positioning his support players. Holbeck enjoyed a reputation as a ferocious tackler and his aggressive defence was well noted by his opposition.
Unfortunately, a series of injuries including a serious shoulder and leg injuries prevented him from fully showcasing his rugby talent. Holbeck representing his country from schoolboy level where he teamed up with his future Brumbies teammate Joe Roff.
Holbeck played senior rugby with the Randwick Club in Sydney, playing 61 first grade games and winning premierships in 1994, 1996 and 2000. Strong performances in both club rugby and the Australian Under 21s in 1994 ensured that he was well known to senior representative selectors. Two years later in 1996 Holbeck made his debut for the ACT Brumbies under coach Rod Macqueen, he would represent the Brumbies until 2003.
Wallaby selection came early in the 1997 season with his first cap against New Zealand (13-0) in Christchurch. Home Tests followed later that same year against England (25-6), New Zealand (18-33) and South Africa (32-20). A further two ‘away’ Tests were played against New Zealand (24-36) and South Africa (22-61) towards the end of the 1997 season.
Apart from non-Test appearances against Rosario (29-18) and Buenos Aires (17-12) in 1997 Holbeck would have to wait until 2001 to play for Australia again. This final cap was against the British and Irish Lions (29-23) in Sydney.
Holbeck retired in 2003 due to all of his injuries but has remained involved in rugby coaching at Randwick and then the University of Queensland Rugby Academy.
Holbeck also has a degree in Psychology with honours from Bond University and then studied for a PhD in Skill Acquisition.
JW April 2017
Career
 |
Australia Outside Centre |
1997 - 2001 |
 |
ACT Brumbies Outside Centre |
1997 - 2001 |
