The Australian Rugby Union is mourning the loss of post-war Wallaby Mick Cremin.

The former Randwick and NSW flyhalf played three Tests and 19 matches in total for Australia between 1946 and 1948.

Cremin, nicknamed Smiler was born on May 14 1923 and died in Sydney last Thursday, aged 87.

A graduate of Sydney Boys High School and later Sydney University, Cremin was one of the most influential players in the immediate post world war II period as both a player and strategist.

It was in the latter capacity that Cremin helped to mastermind NSW stunning upset of the 1947 All Black tourists at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

He captained Australia on six occasions in non-Test tour matches and was also a mainstay for Randwick between 1940 and 1949, appearing in 132 first grade games, while captaining the club between 1944 and 1947.

Cremin maintained an involvement in the game following his retirement, coaching with Sydney's Northern Suburbs club.

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