Rugby Mourns Death of Roger Vanderfield

Australian Rugby Union (ARU) President Paul McLean has led a chorus of tributes for Dr Roger Vanderfield, a legendary figure of the game, who has passed away at the age of 80.

Dr Vanderfield was an international referee, a past ARU president and a former International Rugby Board (IRB) Chairman.

He was also considered one of the major architects when the first Rugby World Cup was established in 1987.

McLean advised "his contribution over a long period of time was magnificent.

"As an international referee, a president of the ARU and chairman of the IRB, there were few in the Rugby world who could match his commitment to and standing in our game.

"It must also be remembered that his efforts for Rugby were in addition to a significant contribution to the medical profession."

Dr Vanderfield was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2006 for his services to health care through Royal North Shore Hospital, where a building is named in his honour, and to Rugby Union.

He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1976.

Dr Vanderfield refereed more than 1,200 games between 1952 and 1976, including 14 Tests and 18 other international matches.

He was also instrumental in delivering the game a World Cup.

In 1984 Australia and New Zealand made separate submissions to the IRB about a World Cup tournament.

The IRB gave the two countries permission to prepare and lodge a joint feasibility study and the blueprint was ready when the IRB met in Paris in 1985.

Dr Vanderfield was IRB Chairman at the time and was active in gaining support for the proposal.

He also served on the RWC organising committee.

During the 1980s, Dr Vanderfield was also President of the New South Wales Rugby Union and the ARU, and was later elected as a life member to both bodies.

His funeral will be held on Friday, 3rd October at 12.30pm in the Camellia Chapel at Macquarie Park Crematorium, cnr Plessey and Delhi Roads, Macquarie Park.