Rugby Australia joins the entire Australian Rugby community in mourning the passing of Brother Robert Wallace.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrother Bob\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Brother Bob passed away peacefully at Concord Hospital on Monday at the age of 87 surrounded by friends, family and colleagues.<\/p>\n
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh said:<\/p>\n
\u201cBrother Bob was influential in shaping generations of Australian Rugby players at the community and pathway level and for that we are eternally grateful.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know I speak on behalf of everyone in the Australian Rugby community when I send my condolences to Brother Bob\u2019s family, friends and colleagues and thank him for his wonderful service to our great game.\u201d<\/p>\n