Last week saw Joondalup Brothers Rugby Union Club host Australian and World Rugby icon, Bob Dwyer. The former Randwick and Waratahs mentor, who coached the Wallabies to their first World Cup success in 1991 spent the weekend with the Joondalup players, coaches, administrators and fans, finding time to take part in all club activities.
The Joondalup Arena was treated to a rarity on the Friday evening, kicking off the weekends festivities with Dwyer entertaining the 200+ crowd through stories of his career -including plenty around the '91 win and the chance to have been part of a side that, in his words, went from "woeful to wonderful".
Saturday saw a full day ahead for Dwyer, casting his eye over over eight hours of carnival Rugby, plus the opportunity to take charge of the Under 15s following their usual coach being called away. Dwyer wasted little time falling back into the mould, briefing his players as to his expectations, and ended up - again - victorious as the boys cruised home to victory over Associates.
Sunday came and went too fast for all in the audience as Dwyer "coached the coaches", with all Brothers coaching staff gifted a rare opportunity with one the brightest and most-forward-thinking minds in the business.
The weekend proved a huge success, with Dwyer and the Joondalup Rugby public coming away better from the unique experience.
"Last weekend they fielded 515 players from juniors through to their four senior teams. I have no doubt that I saw some players there who will be Wallabies in the coming years.
"...there are also a couple of their senior players who would not be out of place right now at the Force either."
Dwyer was clearly touched after the weekend away and closed out the weekend with words of encouragement for the hard-working locals.
"With such bands of dedicated and capable volunteers at the helm of clubs such as Joondalup, the future of our Wallaby teams is assured."
