Edward McIntyre
Edward John (Eddie) McIntyre
1883 -
Rugby Union International
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Affectionately known as 'Daisy' Edward John McIntyre was one of five rugby union players from Orange who toured with the first Wallaby team in 1908. Along with Charles McMurtrie, Eddie was presented with a purse of sovereigns by the citizens of Orange prior to the team's departure for Britain and North America. This gift was often used against the two Orange men, with frequent reference by the English critics of their professionalism.
Edward McIntyre played seven matches for New South Wales, two of which were against Great Britain in 1908. He was highly regarded in rugby circles. He was a powerful front row forward. However, in addition to the criticism handed out by the English critics he was given poor treatment on the Wallaby tour, playing in only 5 five tour matches which drew persistent criticism of the selectors.
Eddie was one of four players who played in five or less fewer matches on tour, while 10 of the players appeared in at least 22 of the 31 matches played. Two Orange players, Ken Gavin and Charles McMurtrie were extremely vocal in their criticism of McIntyre's treatment while on tour.
Writing in the Sydney Mail, Tom Richards, star of the tour, said "in all fairness to the four who played so few games, it must be said that they were steady, kept themselves in good condition and waited patiently and anxiously to be at least given a chance to show their real worth. I am extremely sorry for them. Their behaviour under the circumstances was admirable and worthy of better consideration by the selectors"
On the return of the Wallabies Rugby Union and Kangaroos Rugby League teams from England in 1909 Eddie McIntyre accepted 100 pounds to play in matches between the two teams and so automatically lost his amateur status and then disappeared from football.
