Australia's rugby community is mourning a second big loss this week, after news legendary halfback Ken Catchpole died.
Catchpole fought a long battle with illness, before passing away on Thursday night.
Former Wallabies and Waratahs lock Dean Mumm was among those to praise Catchpole's legacy on social media, the scrumhalf considered one of Australia's greatest rugby players in history.
A sad day for Australian rugby. Vale Ken Catchpole. A rugby great!! #RugbyFamily https://t.co/TelWzC5PCi
— Dean Mumm (@DeanMumm) December 22, 2017
World Rugby CEO and Australian Brett Gosper tweeted his condolences after news of the Hall of Famer's death on Friday morning.
Very sad indeed to hear of the passing of World Rugby Hall of Fame member, Australia and Randwick scrum half great;Ken Catchpole at 78. The thoughts of us all at World Rugby are with his family and friends.
— Brett Gosper (@brettgosper) December 22, 2017
Many on social media lamented the void left by two of the game's greats in Catchpole and Queensland legend Stan Pilecki.
Vale, Ken Catchpole.
— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) December 22, 2017
A sad week for Australian Rugby, with both Catchy and Stan Pilecki gone. https://t.co/ShmrU2lPTL
The Shute Shield, whose most valuable player award bears Catchpole's name, posted a tweet describing him as a man who 'defined Australian Rugby'.
A MAN WHO DEFINED AUSTRALIAN RUGBY. Legend Ken Catchpole has sadly passed away aged 78. https://t.co/RntzYHtxWm
— Shute Shield (@theshuteshield) December 22, 2017
RIP Ken Catchpole "the greatest halfback the world has known". All at Randwick Rugby mourn the passing of legendary halfback Ken Catchpole. @qantaswallabies @Gallopinggreens @NSWWaratahs https://t.co/FKmxXhTryx pic.twitter.com/LVkeSZRQYO
— Randwick Rugby, NSW (@GallopingGreens) December 22, 2017
Australian sports legend Ken Catchpole dies aged 78. Great wallaby. Great Aussie sportsman. RIP
— David Campese (@Davidcampese11) December 22, 2017
Vale Ken Catchpole. An inspiration, example and mentor to both myself and generations of Rugby players. Peerless player and lifetime contributor to our game. Do yourself a favour and have a look at some of his play. Preferably with a glass of red in hand as Catchy would’ve wanted
— Morgan Turinui (@MorganTurinui) December 22, 2017
