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April 20, 2009 - 1:00pm
Story by: ARU
2009 Classic Wallabies Statesmen
Seven of the most celebrated players in Australian Rugby history have been announced today as the 2009 ARU Classic Wallabies Statesmen.
One player from each decade since the Second World War has accepted the invitation to serve as a Statesman, making formal and informal appearances on behalf of the ARU during the coming season.
Five of the seven are former Test captains and all have played a significant role in the history of the game.
The Statesmen are:
1940’s ARTHUR BUCHAN – No.8, 10 Tests (1946-1949)
1950’s JOHN THORNETT – Flanker/lock/prop, 37 Tests, (1955-1967), 16 Tests as captain
1960’s JIM LENEHAN – Fullback/centre, 24 Tests (1958-1967), 1 Test as captain
1970’s JOHN HIPWELL – Halfback, 36 Tests (1968-1982), 9 Tests as captain
1980’s MARK ELLA – Five-eighth, 25 Tests (1980-1984), 10 Tests as captain
1990’s TIM HORAN – Centre, 80 Tests (1989-2000), 1 Test as captain
2000’s MATTHEW BURKE– Fullback/centre, 76 Tests (1993-2004)
Thornett, Hipwell and Ella are also previous Wallabies Hall of Fame inductees.
It is the second year of the Statesmen program, which will be an ongoing feature of the Australian Rugby season with a new group announced each year.
The latest Seven follow the initial Statesmen from 2008 – Sir Nicholas Shehadie, Dr John Solomon, Ken Catchpole, Mark Loane, Andrew Slack, Nick Farr-Jones and John Eales.
“The Statesmen initiative provides an opportunity to showcase our wonderful alumni of former Wallabies,” said ARU Managing Director and CEO John O’Neill.
“This game has been graced by not only great players but truly inspirational figures, and we are recognising their achievements and values through this program.
“We must never forget our past and the wonderful men who have contributed so much.
“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.
“Our seven Statesmen will assist in that process.
“Their standing in the game, and the broader community, is a valuable asset.”
Plans for the Statesmen include pre-Test jersey presentations to Wallaby players, addressing players from club and schoolboys level to the elite tiers of the game, and attending official functions as ARU Classic Wallabies Statesmen.
Mr O’Neill said the Classic Wallabies, under the joint presidency of Simon Poidevin and Jeff Miller, were keenly supportive of the Statesmen program, giving further significance to the appointments.
“Our Statesmen are touchstones to a wonderful and diverse history,” he said.
“This is a Rugby nation that has won two World Cups and hosted another.
“And we have a compelling Test history that stretches all the way back to 1899.
“So in talking about re-shaping the future for Australian Rugby – as we have done a fair bit of late – we must also never forget our past.
“We have to embrace our history and the men who helped create it.”
Classic Wallabies joint president Jeff Miller said the Statesmen program was an important recognition project.
“And to be selected from the greats of Australian Rugby to wear the badge of Statesmen is a huge honour,” he said.
“It is why the Classic Wallabies are delighted to be part of this year’s announcement and to offer our full support.
“As Classic Wallabies we accept there is much to give back to this great game.
“We were fortunate enough to play for our country and lucky enough to hold for a brief period in history the baton that we passed on to others and that the current Wallabies will one day pass on to the next generation.”
http://www.rugby.com.au/news/aru_gen.../section/21893
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Originally Posted by prop53
