Basil Maclear
Quick Facts
Biography
Basil Maclear (1881–1915) was an Irish rugby international. He won eleven caps between 1905 and 1907.
He was the grandson of Sir Thomas Maclear, Her Majesty's Astronomer in Cape Town, South Africa and son of Captain Henry Maclear, an Officer in The Buffs. He was later sent to Fermoy in County Cork by the British Army.
Like fellow international Ernest Deane, Maclear was killed in action during the First World War, serving as a captain with the Royal Dublin Fusiliers at the Second Battle of Ypres. His remains were not recovered and his name is recorded on the Menin Gate memorial nearby.
Career
He won his first cap against England on 11 February 1905, a game which Ireland won 17-3. He scored four tries and three conversions during his eleven international games for Ireland.
In the match against New Zealand on their 1905 tour, he was captain of Munster, who ended up losing 33-0.
Maclear was one of 25 individuals inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame during ceremonies held at Wembley Stadium during the 2015 Rugby World Cup.