Freddy Turner

Frederick George Turner (18 March 1914 – 12 September 2003) was a South African rugby union international who represented his country in 11 Tests. Sometimes his name is given as "Freddie" Turner.

Cricket career Turner, a graduate of Grey High School, played three first-class cricket matches for Eastern Province in the 1931/32 Currie Cup season. After exactly ten years out of cricket, while he concentrated on rugby, he returned to the field in January 1942 and made his fourth and last first-class appearance, this time with Transvaal. His only wicket in these matches was Rhodesian Victor Robinson while he failed to impress with the bat.

Rugby union career He played his early rugby at the Crusader RFC and represented four provinces, , , and at provincial rugby. On 8 July 1933, Turner became the 232nd Springbok when he made his international debut, against in Cape Town. Aged just 19 at the time, he was also the first South African rugby player to fly to a Test Match after being called up late. He later told friends and family that the biggest challenge that day was finding the airport in Port Elizabeth.

He went on to be capped a further ten times at Test level, including a tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1937. He made his last appearance against the British Isles in 1938 where he scored his fourth and final try. Used mainly on the wing but also at centre and fullback, Turner was handy at kicking goals and managed four conversions and three penalties in his career.

Test history No. Opponents Results(SA 1st) Position Points Dates Venue 1. 17–3 Wing 8 Jul 1933 Newlands, Cape Town 2. 6–21 Centre 22 Jul 1933 Kingsmead, Durban 3. 12–3 Wing 3 (1 try) 12 Aug 1933 Ellis Park, Johannesburg 4. 9–5 Wing 26 Jun 1937 Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney 5. 26–17 Wing 17 Jul 1937 Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney 6. 7–13 Fullback 14 Aug 1937 Athletic Park, Wellington7. 13–6 Wing 3 (1 try) 4 Sep 1937 Lancaster Park, Christchurch 8. 17–6 Wing 3 (1 try) 25 Sep 1937 Eden Park, Auckland 9. British Isles 26–12 Wing 6 Aug 1938 Ellis Park, Johannesburg 10. British Isles 19–3 Fullback 10 (2 conv, 2 pen) 3 Sep 1938 Crusaders Ground, Port Elizabeth 11. British Isles 16–21 Centre 10 (1 try, 2 conv, 1 pen) 10 Sep 1938 Newlands, Cape Town Legend: try (3 pts); pen = penalty (3 pts.); conv = conversion (2 pts.), drop = drop kick (4 pts.).