IRB Pays Tribute to Legendary Figure of Australian Rugby

The International Rugby Board was extremely saddened to learn that former IRB Chairman Dr Roger Vanderfield OBE has passed away aged 80. Vanderfield, who was also Australia's representative on the IRB Council for over 20 years, was an instrumental figure in the introduction of the Rugby World Cup.

“A man of great stature, Dr Vanderfield’s contribution to the Game was massive. As a referee he was one of the most respected officials of his era, and presided over 1,000 first class matches. He channelled the same degree of passion and enthusiasm for the Game into his role as IRB Council Member for Australia and also as Chairman of the IRB. As someone who had such a strong association with the Game his death will be mourned throughout the Rugby community,” said IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

“Dr Vanderfield will best be remembered as an important driving force behind the introduction of Rugby World Cup. He was serving as Chairman of the International Rugby Board when, in 1985, the Australia and New Zealand Unions launched a joint feasibility study for the creation of a World Cup tournament. It was a concept that he was prominent in championing,” added Lapasset.

Dr Vanderfield’s Rugby career started in refereeing and he officiated at more than 1,200 games between 1952 and 1976, including 14 Tests and 18 international representative matches.

A move into the Game’s administration beckoned. In total he served for 23 years as Australia’s representative on the IRB Council (between 1973 and 1996), served twice as Chairman of the IRB in 1985 and 1992 and was the Chairman of the inaugural IRB Medical Advisory Committee. Dr Vanderfield also served as President of the New South Wales Rugby Union and the Australia Rugby Union in the 1980s.

In 1976 Dr Vanderfield became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and in 2006 he was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for Service to the community through delivery of health care services, and to Rugby Union. His passing will also be mourned by the medical community.

“Dr Vanderfield will be remembered not just as a great stalwart and champion of Rugby both as a referee and an administrator, but also as a dedicated IRB Chairman,” added Lapasset. “The thoughts of everyone at the International Rugby Board are with Dr Vanderfield’s family at this difficult time.”