Keith McLellan


Keith McLellan is an Australian long jump and triple jump athlete, and rugby union, and professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s. He played club level rugby union for Eastern Suburbs RUFC, as a Centre, i.e. number 12 or 13, and representative level rugby league for Combined Nationalities, and at club level for Leeds, as a, i.e. number 3 or 4. As a long jumper he was ranked 1st in New South Wales, and as a triple jumper he was ranked 3rd in New South Wales. Keith McLellan received a diploma of physical education from University of Sydney, and was a physical education teacher at Fort Street High School in Sydney, Brudenell Secondary Modern School, Welton Road in Leeds and Temple Moor High School in Leeds.

Playing career

International honors

Keith McLellan won a cap for Combined Nationalities while at Leeds in the 15-19 defeat by France on 3 January 1954.

County League appearances

Keith McLellan played in Leeds' victories in the Yorkshire County League during the 1954–55 season and 1956–57 season.

Challenge Cup Final appearances

Keith McLellan played right-, i.e. number 3 and was captain in Leeds' 9-7 victory over Barrow in the 1957 Challenge Cup Final during the 1956–57 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 11 May 1957, in front of a crowd of 76,318.

Change of codes

Keith McLellan's contract adviser was his former teacher and sports coach, the former rugby league footballer for University of Sydney and Leeds, Frank O'Rourke, in 1951 McLellan received a signing-on fee from Leeds of £5000, he also received £13 for an away win, £11 for a home win, and £7 for a loss, fares for journeys to and from England, and a position as a physical education teacher under the Leeds Education Committee.

Club career

Keith McLellan joined fellow Australian players at Leeds; Arthur Clues, Bob McMaster, Bruce Ryan and Teddy Verrenkamp. Keith McLellan made his début for Leeds in the 6-11 defeat by Doncaster on Saturday 19 January 1952, he had his cheekbone broken against Hunslet on Friday 15 August 1952, he didn't leave the pitch, but the injury subsequently required an operation, and he was expected to be absent six-to-eight weeks.

Genealogical information

Keith McLellan married Gwen Maston, the sister of Australian Olympic athlete, June Maston.