10 rugby stars who took unorthodox routes to the top

10 international rugby stars who took unorthodox routes to the top

4 Scott Fardy

Fardy

Scott Fardy did not have the looks, athleticism or speed. That is why he was overlooked by every team in Australia for more than a decade. Fardy had two stints with the Waratahs development squad and then went to the Western Force, where he was told he had not performed even though he never got onto the field. He then moved to play his rugby in Japan.

While in Kamaishi, Fardy went through an experience that put everything into perspective and saw him grow as a person. He was in his apartment in March 2011 when the 5m tsunami hit. It destroyed half of the small village, with friends of Fardy among the fatalities.

Rather than take up the Australian embassy’s offer to evacuate, Fardy and some expat teammates opted to stay and help the locals whose lives had been shattered.

On returning to Australia in 2012, Fardy secured a rookie contract with the ACT Brumbies and it wasn’t long until he was starting every week. He’s now joined Leinster in the Guinness PRO14.

An inspirational journey to the top!