Springbok no. 316 · Scrumhalf
Tommy Gentles
Thomas Alexander Gentles · WP
6Tests
0Tries
1Tours
21Age at debut
Test career
195519561958
First test
6 Aug 1955, age 21 · Scrumhalf v Britain, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Last test
16 Aug 1958, age 24 · Scrumhalf v France, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Biography
Tommy Gentles is remembered as the shortest Springbok ever, at 1.61 m, and a brave, wholehearted scrumhalf. Born in Johannesburg on 31 May 1934 and educated at Diocesan College (Bishops), he played for Western Province and won six caps between 1955 and 1958, against the British Isles, New Zealand and France. He died on 29 June 2011.
Test history
6 tests · 0 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06 Aug 1955 |  Britain | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | Scrumhalf | L 22–23 | WP |
| 20 Aug 1955 | Britain | Newlands, Cape Town | Scrumhalf | W 25–9 | WP |
| 24 Sep 1955 | Britain | Crusaders (St George's Park), Port Elizabeth | Scrumhalf | W 22–8 | WP |
| 04 Aug 1956 |  New Zealand | Athletic Park, Wellington | Scrumhalf | W 8–3 | WP |
| 18 Aug 1956 | New Zealand | Lancaster Park (Jade stadium), Christchurch | Scrumhalf | L 10–17 | WP |
| 16 Aug 1958 |  France | Ellis Park, Johannesburg | Scrumhalf | L 5–9 | WP |