Ex-Wallabies named as rugby statesmen
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Ex-Wallabies named as rugby statesmen
AAP - April 23, 2008, 1:44 pm
Australian Rugby has made a major pitch to recapture its heartland, naming seven Wallaby greats as "rugby statesmen".
Sir Nicholas Shehadie, John Solomon, Ken Catchpole, Mark Loane, Andrew Slack, Nick Farr-Jones and John Eales - each representing a decade since World War II - will present Test jerseys and address young players as part of their roles.
ARU chief executive John O'Neill said the initiative fits neatly with the overhaul of the game already underway, which includes a new Wallabies coach in Robbie Deans and courting private investment in Super 14 teams.
O'Neill also said the initiative was not an attempt to counter other football codes celebrating their own historical milestones.
"We should be proud to say that for more than a century rugby has been graded by inspirational figures and leaders of industry," O'Neill said.
"Their successes have come not only on the field but away from the game when their playing days ended.
"We want the rugby culture to remain strong and vibrant, and we want our past heroes as well as our current stars to help us carry those traditions forward."
The ARU launched the move under a new slogan - "Built by Rugby, forged in Union".
Former Wallaby and Brumbies utility Julian Huxley, who is recovering from surgery for a brain tumour, attended Wednesday's launch and thanked the rugby community for its support.Good to hear Hux is out and about!!
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