Oldest former Wallaby attends rugby union launch

Australia's oldest former Wallaby, 94-year-old Mr Eric Tweedale, and his close friend, 84-year-old former Wallaby Mr Jim Phipps, were special guests at the Woy Woy Rugby Union Club's season launch on Friday, February 26.

Both are Central Coast residents.

There were seven Wallabies present at the launch, held with an audience of 240 at the Ettalong Diggers Memorial Club, including guest speaker Mark Ella, Tony Melrose, Mick Martin, Lance Walker and Rod Batterham.

Official guests included Federal Member for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks, Gosford mayor Cr Lawrie McKinna, Gosford Council chief Mr Paul Anderson, John Singleton Group CEO Ms Monique Marks, Ettalong Diggers CEO Mr Bill Jackson, Central Coast Rugby president Mr Larry Thomson and NSWRU life member Mr John Mulford.

"You know you're running a function right when someone travels from the Bahamas to attend, said Master of Ceremonies, Mr Peter Fenton.

This was the case with Don Boorman, who paid his third successive visit and intended the stay for the season opener between Woy Woy Lions and the Avoca Sharks on April 2.

Brilliant Wallaby five-eighth Mark Ella was one of two guest speakers, the other being radio and TV Rugby broadcaster, Gordon Bray, a man who has called all eight World Cups since 1987.

Mark Ella, in a laid back interview with Peter Fenton, told tales of tricks he and identical twin Glen played on coaches who could not tell them apart.

He also spoke openly on his decision to quit international rugby right at his peak.

Gordon's anecdotes included equally stories of veteran commentators from whom he learned his trade and sporting highlights in his career of almost 50 years.

The function was held to raise money for Woy Woy junior and senior rugby and to assist the Umina Men's Shed, which has now profited by more than $10,000 since the 2013 launch.

Media release, Feb 28

Ross Bryant, Woy Woy Rugby Union