Sydney - Peter Johnson, a former Australian rugby hooker who played 42 Tests for the Wallabies, including five as captain, has died at his Sydney home.

He was 79.

The Australian Rugby Union said Wednesday that Johnson died on Tuesday. It did not give a cause of death, but Australian media reported that he had a heart attack.

Johnson made his Wallabies debut in 1959 and retired in 1971 after appearing in eight tours. His final test against France marked the first time in his Test career he was replaced because of injury.

He also played 215 first-grade matches for Randwick and was named in the Sydney club's team of the century ahead of two-time World Cup winner Phil Kearns.

Johnson is survived by his wife, Sue.