1
Wallabies great and World Cup driving force Shehadie dies
By Tom Webber
Nicholas Shehadie, a Wallabies great and key orchestrator in the establishment of the Rugby World Cup, has died aged 91.
Former Wallabies skipper Shehadie represented his county on 114 occasions and took part in 30 Tests, before assuming the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) presidency in 1980 and acting as a driving force behind the inaugural World Cup.
He was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2011 in recognition of his impact on the sport, both on and off the field.
"Today we mourn the loss of a great player, a great leader and visionary and a true gentleman, whose legacy to rugby fans around the world is the Rugby World Cup," a statement from World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont read.
"Sir Nicholas was an outstanding administrator, whose passion and determination was the driving force behind his enormous contribution to the global and domestic game at what was a pivotal time for the sport.
"The thoughts of the global rugby family are with his family, friends and the Australian rugby community at this difficult time."
Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne said: "Not only have we lost one of our great Wallaby captains, we have lost a truly great Australian. His was an extraordinary life.
"Sir Nicholas is one of the most revered figures in our game across the globe. He was a born leader, a gifted athlete, and an outstanding administrator who was instrumental in shaping the game both nationally and internationally through his various roles in rugby.
"He was the first player to play over 100 matches for Australia, including 30 Test matches, but he was a man that transcended the game and is admired equally for his career in public life following his twelve years of international rugby."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Leinster player ratings vs Munster | 2024/25 URC
3
Jamal Ford-Robinson: 'In the gym we’re not lifting as frequently'
4
Nemani Nadolo: 'Now I cut grass, do gardens, cut hedges for a living'
5
Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
Go to comments