Phil Kearns

Philip Nicholas Kearns was born on June 27, 1967, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. He received his education at Newington College from 1979 to 1984 and later pursued higher education at the University of New South Wales, where he earned an Arts degree with a major in Economics. Kearns established himself as a formidable rugby player, primarily as a hooker. He represented New South Wales in provincial rugby, laying the foundation for his distinguished international career. His debut for the Australia national rugby union team, the Wallabies, came in 1989. Throughout his career, Kearns played 67 Tests for Australia and served as captain on ten occasions. He became a two-time Rugby World Cup champion, contributing to Australia’s victories in both the 1991 and 1999 tournaments. Notably, he is one of only 43 players globally to have won multiple Rugby World Cups, solidifying his legacy in international rugby. In 2018, his contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Australian Rugby Hall of Fame.

Following his retirement from professional rugby in 1999, Kearns embarked on a diverse career path. He is a rugby commentator for Fox Sports Australia, providing analysis and insights into the sport. Beyond his media work, Kearns has made significant strides in the business world, currently holding the position of Chief Executive Officer at AVJennings, a major residential building company. His commitment to community service led to his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2017, acknowledging his support for various charitable organizations. Kearns also played a crucial role in Australia’s successful bid to host the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups. This involved his appointment as a Director on the Board of the Local Operating Company, reflecting his enduring influence and dedication to the sport’s development in Australia. His personal life includes overcoming a challenging period when his 19-month-old daughter, Andie, was involved in a driveway accident in 2005, making a full recovery. He subsequently launched a driveway safety campaign. His daughter, Matilda Kearns, has followed a sporting path, becoming a member of the Australian women’s national water polo team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.