Owen Finegan

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Owen Finegan (born 22 April 1972 in Sydney, Australia) is an Australian international rugby union player.

A cunning and experienced flanker or lock. Constantly causes trouble for the opposition by forcing crucial turnovers, hitting hard in defence and using his size and power to break through the defence. He is nicknamed "Melon" because of his large head.

He was a key performer for the ACT Brumbies from their inception in 1996, joining from Randwick Rugby Club. Finegan played in 90 Super 12 matches for the Brumbies and was one of three remaining foundation players in the 2005 squad. He has helped them to two titles, including captaining them to their 2004 triumph, and scoring a Super 12 record 31 tries for a forward.

He made his international debut against Wales in 1996 and went on to win 56 caps despite having ankle and knee reconstructions, plus operations on both shoulders. He has been an integral part of the Wallabies’ success over the past decade and was named in the Wallaby team of the decade.

The undoubted highlight of Finegan's career came in 1999 when he scored an injury time try as Australia won the Rugby World Cup.

Australia's player of the year in 2001, Finegan was controversially not picked by the Wallabies for the 2003 World Cup on home soil.

In 2005 he signed with English club Newcastle Falcons for two seasons, but was subsequently released after just one year. Finegan will play the 2006/7 season in Dublin with the Irish province Leinster, where he will be coached by his former Randwick boss and teammate, Michael Cheika.