Cyril Connell, Snr.

Who was Cyril Connell, Snr.?

Cyril John Connell CBE was an Australian university registrar and rugby league footballer and administrator. His son, Cyril Connell Jnr. also went on to become a successful rugby league footballer in his era.

Connell was born in Sydney, New South Wales and in his youth he served with the Australian Imperial Force in World War I in France. In 1922 he was halfback of the first Queensland team to defeat New South Wales.

After retiring from the football field Connell also served as an administrator for the Queensland Rugby League.

Connell's time as registrar of the University of Queensland is thought to have contributed significantly to the University's growth in the 1950s and 60s. This earned him the honour of Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1965.

In 2000 Connell was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his contribution to Australia's international standing in rugby league.