Nick Farr-Jones AM

Nick Farr-Jones AM's Biography

While still studying law at Sydney University, he was first selected for New South Wales and Australia in 1984. As a scrum-half, and equipped with an accurate, bullet-like pass and outstanding tackling skills, Farr-Jones made his Test debut in November 1984, when he was selected to play against England at Twickenham in London. This was the first of 63 Tests he played between 1984 and 1993. On the 1984 tour, the Wallabies won all four Tests against England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland, thereby becoming the first Australian team to win the challenging 'Grand Slam'.

 

It was the beginning of great achievements for Farr-Jones. He played in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987, and a year later was named Australian captain.

 

In rugby circles Farr-Jones was capped for Australia for 10 consecutive years, never being replaced during this time. He captained the team for five of those years including leading the country in 1991 to rugby's holy grail, the Rugby World Cup. His leadership was recognized in being chosen to captain the Barbarian Club to celebrate the famous club's centenary celebrations in 1990 and the World XV during New Zealand's centenary celebrations in 1992. He was awarded an AM in 1992 for services to the game.

Nick Farr Jones received many other international honours including:  Southern Hemisphere vs. British Lions, IRB Centenary celebrations (1986), Australian 7-a-side team to Hong Kong (1987), Bahrain Warblers 7-a-side to Monaco (1988), Barbarians vs. New Zealand (1989) and Barbarians Centenary celebrations vs. England and Wales (Captain-1990).

 

During his time with the Wallabies Farr-Jones worked in the mid-sized Sydney legal firm of Garland Seaborn and Abbott. Shortly after sporting retirement he left the legal game pursuing a career in investment banking. He departed for Paris shortly after joining the French investment bank Societe Generale. After four successful years expanding the bank's metal derivative business in Europe and Africa, Farr-Jones returned to Sydney in 1999 to head up the Australian branch of SocGen's commodity finance business developing a highly motivated and well regarded team in the mining and commodity sector.

Farr-Jones left the banking world in 2008 and has taken up non executive directorships of companies largely in the resource sector. In 2009 he joined Taurus Resource Fund which specializes in investing in the mining and resource sector.

 

Nick is a former Senator of the University of Sydney, Director of NRMA, Councillor of the City of Sydney and Patron of the Children's Leukaemia and Cancer Foundation. He is currently a Director of the Wesley Mission and recently created his own charity known as Touch Life raising awareness and funds to support Wesley’s work in the homeless space.

 

As someone who led his nation in the last years of amateur rugby, Nick Farr-Jones is a natural leader and, as an amateur sportsman, has uniquely experienced over two decades working in a business environment. He has led both world class sports people but has also been intricately involved in executing global business plans, strategic development and motivating people to achieve, individually and collectively, their objectives and dreams.

 

Above everything Nick Farr-Jones counts the most successful and satisfying years in life as the daily interaction with his wife Angie and four children. He is an engaging speaker bringing world class sporting anecdotes and experiences into the realms of business life whilst encouraging and motivating individuals and teams.

Speaking Topics Include

The Road to the Top

The Winning Team

The World Cup Story

Understanding Process and Letting the Scoreboard Look After Itself

For the Love of the Game

Goal Setting

Leadership and Inspiring the Team

The Importance of Innovation and Allowing Your People to Make a Mistake