Regarded as one of the finest half-backs in Australian rugby history, the long-striding Thomas Lawton earned the nickname ‘the loping ghost’ for his ability to beat defenders.

The Queensland-born fly-half’s superb hand-eye coordination meant he was also an accomplished ball handler and adept at a number of other sports, including golf. His kicking, both tactical and at goal, was regarded as flawless.

Over the course of his 14-year representative career Lawton captained every side he played for – New South Wales, Queensland, Oxford University, the Barbarians and Australia, who he also coached.

In 1929, the three-time Oxford Blue led Australia to a 3-0 series win against New Zealand – the first time they had inflicted a whitewash on the All Blacks – and followed it up 12 months later with victory in a one-off test against the British and Irish Lions.

Grandsons Rob and Tom Lawton both played for Australia in the 1980s.