Former Wallabies player and coach Dave Brockhoff has died aged 83
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Australian Rugby is today mourning the death of one of the greats of the game former Wallaby and Test coach David Brockhoff. The Australian's Peter Kogoy reports.
"Brockhoff, 83, was elected a life member of the Australian Rugby Union in 2004, and remained enthusiastically involved in the game almost up until the time of his death, being a regular at both Wallabies and NSW Waratahs training sessions, as well as a familiar face at the airport when either side was either departing for, or returning from, an overseas tour. His contribution to the game was again recognised last year when he was anointed as one of the game's statesmen.
"Geoff Shaw, who took over as captain from an injured John Hipwell on the Wallabies' 1975-76 tour of the British Isles, said Brockhoff would be remembered as one of the truly great coaches. "As a kid from the bush he became a great mentor in my time as as a player and captain and it helped forge a lifetime relationship," Shaw said.
"Former Wallabies coach Bob Dwyer said Brock would be remembered as one of the great men of rugby. "The thing that will stay with me forever is Brock's feeling, knowledge and especially affinity for rugby," Dwyer said. "He never lost the fundamental enjoyment of the game and that rubbed off on everyone who had the pleasure to meet him and to get to know him."
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