INTERNATIONAL TOP TIER TWINS
James Howe McClure (Scotland 1872) and George Buchanan McClure (Scotland 1873). Born July 8, 1851.
The first twins to be capped in international rugby and members of the ‘one-cap brigade’. James’ only cap came against England in 1872 while George’s appearance against England came a year later.
Daniel BECCAR-VARELA (Argentina 1975-77) and Gonzalo BECCAR-VARELA (Argentina 1976-79). Born May 21, 1953.
Both three-quarters, the Varelas were part of the Pumas side that ran a Wales XV, featuring the bulk of the Grand Slam-winning side, an almighty scare in 1976. Debutant Gonzalo scored a try and landed two penalties in a 20-19 defeat.
Edward BOYCE (Australia 1962-67) and James (Jim) BOYCE (Australia 1962-65). Born December 14, 1941.
Australia’s outstanding wingers during the John Thornett era when the Wallabies scored famous away victories over the Springboks and the All Blacks. Noted for their reliability in attack and defence and the pinpoint accuracy of their throws to the lineout.
James (Jim) CALDER (Scotland 1981-85; Lions 1983) and Finlay CALDER (Scotland 1986-91; Lions 1989). Born August 20, 1957.
The Calders, above, both had careers of significant length at flanker and doubled as Lions, yet never appeared together in a Test – either for Scotland or the Lions. Their Test careers didn’t even overlap.
Gary WHETTON (NZ 1981-91) and Alan WHETTON (NZ 1984-89). Born December 15, 1959.
The Whetton twins were Auckland and New Zealand greats back in the Eighties, Gary at lock and Alan in the back row. Gary’s last match at international level was when he captained them to a 13-6 victory over Scotland in the 1991 World Cup third-placed playoff in Cardiff.
Mark ELLA (Australia 198084) and Glen ELLA (Australia 1982-85). Born June 5, 1959.
Mark was most successful of the rugby-playing Ella brothers, eclipsing the achievements of his twin Glen and youngest sibling Gary, both fellow Wallabies. Ella’s instinct for the game at fly-half accompanied by his incredible footwork and wonderful ball-handling skills made him a nightmare to defend against and prompted David Campese to herald him as: “The greatest player I have ever seen.”
Juan LANZA (Argentina 1985-87) and Pedro LANZA (Argentina 1983-87). Born June 7, 1963.
Played together as wings at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987. Juan scored two tries
in as many games at the tournament, against Italy and New Zealand.
Marcello CUTTITTA (Italy 198799) and Massimo CUTTITTA (Italy 1990-2000). Born September 2, 1966.
The Italian twins were physically very different. Marcello was a whippet of a wing; Massimo a hulking prop.
Felipe CONTEPOMI (Argentina 1998-2013) and Manuel CONTEPOMI (Argentina 1998-2007). Born August 20, 1977.
Regarded as one of the most creative players of his generation, Felipe’s career overshadowed that of Manuel who he played with at three World Cups. The Contepomis, left, share the same birth date as the Calders.
Akona NDUNGANE (SA 200607) and Odwa NDUNGANE (SA 2008-11). Born February 20 1981.
The only black Africans to have played 100 Super Rugby matches. Akona was a World Cup winner in 2007 and has scored one try in 11 Tests for the Springboks, while Odwa, physically bigger, has two tries from nine international appearances.
Anthony FAINGA’A (Australia 2010-12) and Saia FAINGA’A (Australia 2010-14). Born February 2 1987.
First played together at Test level in 2010, against New Zealand in Christchurch. Saia, a hooker, won 36 caps, while Anthony played 23 times at centre. The Queensland Reds duo won the Super Rugby and Tri Nations titles together in 2011.