Owen Finegan Bio

Owen Finegan is a retired rugby union flanker and lock, known for his giant stature and his storming style of play. He represented Australia at international level and during his professional career played for sides all over the world.

Born in Sydney, Australia in April 1972 to Irish parents, Owen Finegan played rugby as a youth for local teams Waverley Rugby Club and Randwick Rugby Club, before signing professionally for ACT Brumbies in 1996. This was also Brumbies’ foundation year and Owen Finegan would go on to play nine seasons with the side. His final game for the club came in 2005. During his time with Brumbies he helped them win two titles and, at the time, earned a Super 12 (now Super Rugby Pacific) record for the most tries as a forward player.

Owen Finegan’s next club was Newcastle Falcons, where despite signing a two-year deal, he only played one season with the English side. He then made the switch to Irish provincial side Leinster in 2006 and played another season before then signing a short-term deal with Leicester Tigers in 2007. This was to provide cover for the Rugby World Cup of that year, but an injury in the opening game of that season prevented him from making any further appearances. He then retired from the game.

Owen Finegan’s international career began in 1996, when he made his debut in a test match against Wales. He would go on to earn 55 caps across an eight-year period for the Wallabies. Notable highlights for Owen Finegan included a Tri Nations (now The Rugby Championship) title in 2001 and a memorable try in the final of the 1999 Rugby World Cup, which the Wallabies then went on to win. His final test match came against New Zealand in 2003, but despite this, he still featured as part of the ‘Wallaby Team of the Decade’ in 2005.

Outside of rugby union, Owen Finegan has worked as a coach for Brumbies, but is now best known for his charity work.