Guardians of the Game: The history of the New South Wales Rugby Union 1874-2004

Description

From its earliest days as a game of rough and tumble with few rules, the game of rugby union in Australia owes its very existence to the dedication and commitment of the members of the New South Wales Rugby Union and its flagship team, the Waratahs. From the battle over rules which eventually led to the formation of Australian Rules Football as a separate code, to the lure of pay-for-play professionalism of rugby league, and to the cessation of all rugby in Australia during World War I, the New South Wales Rugby Union kept the game alive. Guardians of the Game is the fascinating story of Rugby Union's origins and development in New South Wales and Australia, of the people and players, of pioneers like the Arnold brothers and of latter-day rugby superstars like Nick Farr-Jones and David Campese. As the 2005 Waratahs lay claim to their first-ever Super-12 win, it is fitting that this history of Australia's oldest rugby club be published, and that the deeds of the men and women of the New South Wales Rugby Union who kept the rugby flame burning through the game's darkest hours be recognised.

John Mulford was a first-grade player in the 1950s, then a first-grade referee. In 1990 he was elected president of the Sydney Rugby Union, and then senior vice-president of the New South Wales Rugby Union. In 1994 he established the Rugby Archives and remains the honourary archivist for the New South Wales and Australian Rugby Unions. In 2000 he was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for his 'contribution to the game of rugby union and the youth of Australia'. Also in that year, the Australian Rugby Union recognised his outstanding contribution to Australian rugby with the Joe French Award.

Sport/Rugby Union