Springbok no. 17 · Halfback
Jackie Powell
John Mercer Powell · Griquas
Test career
First test
29 Aug 1891, age 19 · Inside Centre v Britain, Eclectic Cricket Ground, Kimberley
Last test
5 Sep 1903, age 31 · Halfback v Britain, Kimberley Athletic Club Ground, Kimberley
Biography
Jackie Powell is regarded as the father of a long line of fine Griqualand West scrumhalves. Born in Cape Town on 12 December 1871 and educated at St Andrew’s in Grahamstown and Kimberley Boys’ High, he made his Test debut at 19 in Kimberley in 1891.
His Test career stretched over twelve years and four matches against British sides, ending with a 0–0 draw in Kimberley in 1903. He captained South Africa once and was remembered as a quiet, reserved man whose example shaped the scrumhalves who followed him. He died on 19 December 1955.
Test history
4 tests · 1 as captain · 0 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Aug 1891 |  Britain | Eclectic Cricket Ground, Kimberley | Inside Centre | L 0–3 | Griquas |
| 29 Aug 1896 | Britain | Kimberley Athletic Club Ground, Kimberley | Halfback | L 3–9 | Griquas |
| 29 Aug 1903 | Britain | Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg | Halfback | D 10–10 | Griquas |
| 05 Sep 1903 | Britain | Kimberley Athletic Club Ground, Kimberley | Halfback (C) | D 0–0 | Griquas |