Next generation of Rugby Royalty to feature for King's College

By Nic Darveniza. 

​King’s Rugby backrower Jack Cornelsen may well never live down the never-ending comparisons to his father, legendary Wallabies enforcer Greg.

After all, Cornelsen Sr (25 caps, 1974-82) made his test debut at just 21-years of age and holds the Wallabies record for tries in a Bledisloe, crossing for four at Eden Park in 1978.

Luckily for King’s, the 195 cm, 106 kg Gold Coast native has inherited all of his father’s try-scoring ability and the speed of a budding track star to boot.

Jack, now 21 himself, flashed the potential to continue Greg’s legacy from an early age. First winning selection to the State U18s as a 16-year-old in 2011, Cornelsen backed up in 2012 for the National U18s, defeating the indomitable New Zealand Schoolboys - a feat never accomplished since.

Graduating a Premiership-winning hero from Brisbane Grammar School in 2012, Cornelsen transitioned seamlessly into the powerhouse University of Queensland Premier Grade side, winning the Hospitals Cup in his second year in the team.

Now an essential member of the Red Heavies backrow, in 2015 Cornelsen was selected for Queensland Country in the fledgling National Rugby Championship, the Australian answer to the Currie Cup of South Africa and Mitre 10 Cup of New Zealand.

While Jack’s accomplishments in the 15-a-side game are extensive, his star has shone brightest upon the Rugby Sevens stage.

His extraordinary physical gifts and skills brought Cornelsen to the attention of Australian Sevens coach Michael O'Connor fresh out of school, representing the Australian Development Squad in Tournaments in 2013 and 2015.

​With the sky his limit, King’s Rugby’s humble superstar will pack a mean punch at the GFI Hong Kong 10s Tournament in April.