Jack Hartley

Biography

Jack Hartley was, by modern research, the youngest man ever to play for South Africa. He was 18 years and 18 days old when he lined up on the right wing in the third Test against the British Isles at Newlands on 5 September 1891.

Born on 18 August 1873, he was educated at Diocesan College (Bishops) and played for Western Province. His family farmed in the Magaliesberg, and his grandfather Henry Hartley was a famous hunter and explorer. It was his only Test. He died on 15 May 1923.