Mark Ella AM

Mark Ella AM is one of Australia’s most influential sporting figures and a respected leader across business, governance and Indigenous advancement. A pioneer of modern rugby union, Mark is best known as the creative force behind the legendary Ella brothers and as one of the most naturally gifted players to ever represent the Wallabies.

Mark’s representative career began in 1977 when he was selected alongside his brothers Gary and Glen in the Australian Rugby Schoolboys team, which toured undefeated across Europe and Japan. From 1978 to 1984, the three brothers played together for the Randwick Rugby Club, becoming synonymous with innovation, flair and success during one of the club’s most celebrated eras.

In 1979, Mark made his first appearance for Australia on the Wallabies tour of Argentina and debuted in Test rugby in 1980 against New Zealand, famously kicking a match-winning field goal in Sydney. Over the next four years, he earned 25 Test caps, captaining Australia on ten occasions and becoming the first of the Ella brothers to represent his country regularly at the highest level. His leadership was highlighted during tours of New Zealand, Europe and home Test series against major international opponents.

Mark’s playing career reached its pinnacle during the 1984 Grand Slam Tour of Britain and Ireland, where he achieved a feat unmatched by any touring player before or since—scoring a try in every Test match against England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. His performances combined vision, instinct and courage, reshaping how the game was played in Australia.

In parallel, Mark was a dominant force in rugby sevens, representing Australia from 1979 to 1984. He helped secure three Hong Kong Sevens titles and was named Player of the Tournament in 1981. In 1998, he continued his contribution to Australian sport as coach of the national sevens team, leading Australia to a bronze medal at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Following his retirement from elite competition, Mark transitioned seamlessly into leadership roles across sport, business and public life. He served as Chairman of the Aboriginal Cricket Association and managed a landmark commemorative tour of England, honouring the first overseas tour by any Australian sporting team—an Aboriginal cricket side. He also co-founded Horton Ella Marketing, delivering major sponsorship and brand partnerships, including work with Bundaberg Rum as naming rights sponsor of Australian Rugby.

Mark has held numerous board and advisory positions, including roles with Australia Day (NSW and National boards), the Rio Tinto Indigenous Foundation, Olympic Stadium partners, Telstra, ANZ Stadium, and media and education organisations. He also served as an attaché to Guyana during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

Widely respected for his integrity, cultural leadership and strategic insight, Mark’s contributions have been recognised through some of Australia’s highest honours. He was named Young Australian of the Year in 1982, appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1984, inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1987, elevated to Legend status in 2023, and inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013.

Today, Mark Ella AM is regarded not only as a sporting great, but as a role model whose influence spans leadership, reconciliation, innovation and excellence—on and off the field.