The late Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop, acknowledged as one of the greatest ever Australians, has been inducted in the Wallaby Hall of Fame.
Australian Rugby Union President and Chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee, Paul McLean, made the announcement in “Weary’s” home city of Melbourne – two days before the Qantas Wallabies play Ireland at Telstra Dome.
Sir Edward, whose state funeral in 1993 saw 10,000 people turn out to pay their respects, played twice for the Wallabies in 1932 and 1934 as a No.8 and second rower.
He was the first Victorian-born player to represent the Wallabies and is the first Victorian to win Hall of Fame inclusion – alongside Ken Catchpole, Mark Ella, David Campese, Sir Nicholas Shehadie, Mark Loane, John Thornett, Col Windon, Cyril Towers, John Hipwell, Tom Lawton Snr and Tom Richards.
“Weary” made his debut against the All Blacks at Sydney Cricket Ground on 23 July 1932, just a year after taking up the game as a fourth grade player with Melbourne University.
Following his selection he was asked by a reporter why, as a Victorian, he had chosen to pursue Rugby as his preferred football code.
“The whole team gets into action at one time, and moves like one man in great dashes down the field, striving to defeat the opposing side and put the ball over the line,” he replied.
“(And) tackling is more thrilling than anything in the Australian game.”
In 1934, he played strongly in a first Test win over the All Blacks at the SCG, the Australians taking the match 25-11.
The second and final Test of the series was played a fortnight later.
But “Weary” was forced to miss the match through illness. Australia and New Zealand played a 3-all draw, delivering the Bledisloe Cup to this country for the first time.
Mr McLean, a former Wallabies captain, said “Weary” Dunlop – once acknowledged as one of 200 Great Australians – was also an iconic figure for Rugby in Victoria.
“The bravery and selfless commitment he displayed in caring for those under his command while a Prisoner of War more than 60 years ago is legendary,” Mr McLean said.
“His contribution to the medical profession as a pioneer in cancer surgery also earned him a special place in this country’s history.
“He was a remarkable, much-loved Australian and, from a Rugby perspective, he made a ground-breaking rise to the Test team.
“Those on-field talents he possessed, together with the values he brought to the game and displayed throughout his life, have led to this Hall of Fame recognition.”
Australian Rugby will announce another two Hall of Fame inductees – one before the Bledisloe Cup game in Sydney, and another prior to the Test against the All Blacks in Brisbane.
“It is fitting, however, that in the countdown to the Test against Ireland here in Melbourne, that we honour “Weary” Dunlop,” Mr McLean added.
“It is also timely that we announce his induction on the same day the Victorian Rugby Union holds its annual “Weary” Dunlop lunch.”
About the Wallaby Hall of Fame
The Wallaby Hall of Fame was introduced in 2005 and a Selection Committee is in place to consider nominations and include three new inductees each season.
One player is drawn from the pre-World War II era and the other two from the post-war period.
The criteria for consideration are as follows:
• Played at least one Test for Australia
• Been retired from Rugby for at least 10 years
• Made a major contribution to the game of Rugby
• Demonstrated outstanding ability, sportsmanship, commitment, character and personal contribution to their team and the game in their era
Rugby Fever Hits Melbourne
This weekend Melbourne comes alive when the Qantas Wallabies take on Ireland at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.
If you are looking for somewhere to go for pre-match dinner, Melbourne has plenty of options to suit every taste and budget. Head to Federation Square, Melbourne’s public hub, where you will find trendy restaurants. Nearby is Southgate, overlooking the Yarra River, with plenty of restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from. For cheap eats and delicious Asian cuisine, grab a bite to eat in the Chinatown district, running along Little Bourke Street.
Whilst in town, why not take advantage of Melbourne’s passion for sport and visit one of the city’s newest attractions, the National Sports Museum at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), for an insight into Melbourne’s rich sporting history. Or go on a guided tour with Melbourne Sports Tours for a behind-the-scenes look at some of the city’s greatest sporting arenas.
