Wallabies legend Ken Catchpole has died aged 78.

Catchpole, who played 27 Tests from 1961 including 13 as captain, is revered as one of Australian rugby's greatest players.

Old gold: Legendary Wallaby halfback Ken Catchpole picks up the football from the back of a scrum against South Africa, 1963.

The champion halfback began his career with Sydney club side Randwick and became a giant of international rugby, being inducted in the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013.

He is among the youngest Wallabies skippers, taking up the role on his Test debut at 21 years and 354 days.