Rugby Australia joins the entire Australian Rugby community in mourning the passing of Brother Robert Wallace.
“Brother Bob”, as he was affectionately known, will forever be remembered for his extraordinary 50-year contribution to the Australian Schools Rugby Union and his outstanding work in the field of education.
During his tenure with ASRU, which began in 1971 and continued until his retirement in 2019, Brother Bob played a leading role in the nurturing and development of more than 200 Wallabies representatives and almost 150 Australian Sevens players, as well as many Super Rugby and state athletes.
Among his many career highlights, Brother Bob is credited with introducing Trans-Tasman schoolboys competition, championing the development of schools competition across the Pacific and leading the way in improving the safety of scrums.
Brother Bob passed away peacefully at Concord Hospital on Monday at the age of 87 surrounded by friends, family and colleagues.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh said:
“Brother Bob was influential in shaping generations of Australian Rugby players at the community and pathway level and for that we are eternally grateful.
“His warmth, generosity and commitment to Australian Rugby were truly remarkable; traits I was fortunate enough to experience firsthand during my time representing the Australian Schoolboys.
“I know I speak on behalf of everyone in the Australian Rugby community when I send my condolences to Brother Bob’s family, friends and colleagues and thank him for his wonderful service to our great game.”
"Brother Bob’s legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of past, present, and future players on rugby fields around the world," Kevin Culliver OAM, President, Australian Schools Rugby Union, added.
"He shaped lives through education, faith, and sport, leaving an indelible mark on Australian rugby and the communities he served."
