Dual international Arthur Summons has passed away, aged 84.
While Summons' rugby league exploits are more well-known in the sporting community, with the New South Welshman immortalised in the iconic "Gladiators" photo that is featured in the NRL Premiership trophy, the flyhalf had a long history in rugby union as well.
Social media was flooded with tributes for Summons on Sunday as news of his passing emerged.
The late Arthur Summons was a dual international, representing his country in both Rugby codes. He also passed on his sporting talents, daughter Janine being a prodigious hockey player and softballer. #Wagga will miss one of its favourite adopted sons. pic.twitter.com/oRtxUYSSg1
— Michael McCormack (@M_McCormackMP) May 17, 2020
Really sad news overnight with the passing of Arthur Summons. One half of the NRL's most enduring image and a mighty player and man himself by all accounts. Thoughts with his family and those around him.
— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) May 16, 2020
Vale Arthur Summons. Beyond being an icon of rugby league, also a very fine Wallaby.
— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) May 17, 2020
Rugby league mourns passing of 'Gladiator' Summons https://t.co/l2d2pntzBK via @smh
The last six Wallabies fly-halves to have steered Australia to a Test win in New Zealand:
— iainpayten (@iainpayten) May 17, 2020
Steve Larkham, Michael Lynagh, Mark Ella, Tony Melrose, Phil Hawthorne, Arthur Summons.
Summons played league and union growing up, starring in rugby at Homebush Boys' High and playing for Sydney club Gordon.
He played his first representative match for NSW against Queensland in 1956 and also faced off against the Springboks that same year.
In 1957, Summons featured in Australia's tour of Britain and France, making his Test debut against Wales at just 22 and going on to play four of the five Tests on that tour.
Summons was the starting flyhalf for the Wallabies in the 1958 season and he added four more Tests to his name that year including his only Test victory, a 6-3 win at Lancaster Park in Christchurch.
He played his final two Tests in 1959 against the British Lions before making the switch to rugby league.
Summons became the 28th dual international when he played for the Kangaroos for the first time in 1961 and he ultimately played nine rugby league Tests.
The Paddington-born half passed away peacefully at his home in Wagga Wagga after an extended battle with cancer.
