David Lyons (rugby union, born 1980)


David Lyons is a rugby union player for Stade Français. He plays Number Eight and has also played for the Wallabies.

Playing career

Lyons was born in Orange, New South Wales. From his debut in 2000 he played 83 consecutive games for the Waratahs, a record for an Australia player. His run ended when a knee injury forced him to miss the start of the 2007 Super 14 season. In 2004 Lyons was awarded the John Eales medal as Wallabies player of the year.
Lyons signed a 4-year contract with Welsh team the Scarlets for the 2008–09 Magners League season, debuting against Bath Rugby in August 2008. In his first season, he remarkably started in all 30 of the Scarlets' league and cup matches. In July 2009 Lyons became vice-captain of the Scarlets for the 2009–10 Magners League season. He had previously captained the side in two matches at the end of the 2008–09 season However, due to an injury to regular skipper Mark Jones, he led the side for most of the season and eventually took over the captain's armband for the 2010–11 Magners League season.
On 15 June 2011, Lyons was released by the Scarlets at the end of his third season with the club. The next day, he signed a contract with Stade Français.
Lyons played for the Barbarians against the Wallabies at the Sydney Football Stadium in June 2009.