John Berne

John Edward Berne (14 March 1954 – 13 July 2026) was a British-born Australian rugby union and rugby league player who represented Australia in rugby union.^{[2] [3]} Berne, a centre, claimed one international rugby cap for Australia. In rugby league, Berne represented South Sydney Rabbitohs from 1976 to 1979, Eastern Suburbs Roosters in 1980 and 1985, and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks from 1981 to 1983 also primarily as a centre.^{[4] [5]}

Berne was born on 14 March 1954 in Anderstown, Belfast, County Antrim, Northern Ireland to Gerald and Mary Berne.^{[2] [3]} He has four brothers. In 1961, his family relocated to Australia. Berne attended school at Marist Brothers, Pagewood, where he was introduced to the Rugby League.^{[3] [5]} Throughout middle school, he represented both the Marist midweek and South Sydney in the Under 15 Years S G Ball Competition.^[6] He then went on to play for MBP as a senior in school.^[3]

In 1972, when he was 18-years old,^[5] he presented himself to the Randwick Club, but was advised to spend a year with the Colts due to his lack of experience.^[3] Instead, he went back to join the South Sydney Jersey Flegg Team.^[6] He also played some Third Grade matches for the Souths as an amateur rugby player.^{[3] [4]}