It is with profound sadness that we mourn the passing of Br Robert (Bob) J Wallace cfc, AM on 22 September (7-09-1937 — 22-09-2025), following complications from an ongoing illness. He passed peacefully at Concord Hospital, surrounded by family, friends, and his religious Brothers, just shy of his 88th birthday.
Br Bob will be remembered as one of the most influential figures in Australian rugby history, and as a tireless educator, mentor, and Christian Brother. His lifelong devotion to the development of school-aged rugby players created pathways that shaped not only the game, but also the lives of generations of young men.
His contribution to the Australian Schools Rugby Union (ASRU) is unparalleled. Beginning as ACT delegate in 1971, he became Honorary Secretary in 1973 and President in 1992, serving until his retirement in 2019. Across more than fifty years of selfless service, his vision and leadership helped foster the growth of over 200 Wallabies, 150 Australian Sevens players, nine Kangaroos, and countless Super Rugby and state representatives.
Perhaps most memorably, he managed the famous 1977 Australian Schoolboys tour of the UK, Ireland, and Japan. The undefeated side, playing a running style of rugby under coach Geoff Mould, captured the imagination of the nation at a time when Australian sport was struggling. Their success provided hope and inspired a revival that contributed to the Wallabies’ resurgence in the 1980s, led by many of those same Australian Schoolboys.
His foresight and administrative acumen built foundations that still support schools rugby today. He established of the Trans-Tasman competition between NZ Schools and Australian Schools in 1978, as well as the links with the Pacific Islands Schools Unions in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, and was deeply involved in the original depowering the scrum at schools level, introducing the under 18 laws and variations in early 1980’s such as the “crouch, touch, engage” sequence. His influence and contribution was important.
Alongside his rugby service, Bob was a devoted member of the Congregation of Christian Brothers and a teacher and principal for more than 40 years. He began his teaching career at Christian Brothers, Lewisham (Sydney) then moved to St Pius X College, Chatswood, where he first became involved in coaching rugby union, before a short posting in Goulburn. In 1971, he moved to St Edmund’s College, Canberra, where he spent 18 years as Headmaster — a time he described as “the happiest years of my life.” There, he coached the First XV to ten local premierships and four consecutive Waratah Shields (1984–87). St Edmund’s went on to claim 14 Waratah Shields between 1984 and 2004 — more than any other school.
In 1989 he became Deputy Headmaster at Waverley College, and in 1992 was appointed Headmaster, a position he held for 16 years. From 2007, he continued his service in education at St Leo’s College, University of Queensland, while coaching the university rugby team.
Brother Bob’s legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of past, present, and future players on rugby fields around the world. He shaped lives through education, faith, and sport, leaving an indelible mark on Australian rugby and the communities he served.
May he rest in God’s loving embrace, and may his family, Brothers, colleagues, and the rugby community be comforted by our prayers and support during this difficult time.
Kevin Culliver OAM, President, Australian Schools Rugby Union
On behalf of Rugby Australia, I wish to convey my condolences to you and everyone at Australian Schools Rugby Union on the passing of Brother Bob.
We are greatly appreciative of the contribution Brother Bob made to the game at both Community and Pathway levels, and I was very fortunate to benefit from this firsthand through my time in the Australian Schoolboys.
His loss will be felt by many in Australia and abroad and for your awareness Rugby Australia will also recognise his passing via our communication channels.
Please pass on the memorial service details as they become available.
Take care and best regards,
Phil Waugh, Chief Executive Officer | Rugby Australia Ltd
Please pass on my deepest sympathy to all Bob’s family and those involved in Australian Schools Rugby. Brother Bob has an unmatched legacy in his contribution to both Australian Secondary School education to Australian Rugby. I have been fortunate in having known Bob for many years.
Unfortunately, the last time we met in person was prior to COVID when Bob came to Auckland and I took him to the Sacred Heart vs Auckland Grammar 1st XV which Sacred Heart won, and Bob joined some of the Marist Brothers at the after match .
Bob said was the best game of rugby he had seen in NZ but then said that it had been Australian Schools beating NZ schools at AGS in 2016.
Bob was a stalwart for the test side there were many lively debates over tour agreements which always were settled after some discussion. Usually with Bro Bob winning the debate.
A man of great faith. A servant to the end
Moenga roa
Kia harere is Kia tōna moenga roa
Jim Lonergan, President | New Zealand Schools Rugby Union (NZSRU)
Br Bob Wallace was a monumental mover and shaker in Australian Rugby. His contribution to the game, both as an educator and an administrator, was significant and lasting.
He will be remembered for his leadership on and off the field, including the development and management of Australian Schools Rugby from the early 1970s, spotting and cultivating young talent, the importance of pastoral care, and developing Schools Rugby relationships with Europe and Oceania. As a coach and Headmaster, he was responsible for building two of Australia’s most successful rugby schools—St Edmund’s College in Canberra and Waverley College in Sydney.
Br Bob also served as Honorary Secretary of the Australian Schools’ Rugby Union Foundation for more than 20 years. During this time, the Foundation, with annual financial support from the ARU (now RA) and contributions from business leaders, former Schoolboys and Wallabies, built a corpus of $1.2 million at its peak. This funding played a vital role in supporting the Australian Schools Championships and international tours for the Australian Schoolboys teams.
Br Bob Wallace’s passion and administrative vision will be sorely missed.
David Mortimer, Chairman | Australian Schools’ Rugby Union Foundation
Board Members: Greg Cornelson, Ken Wright, Ken Grover, Kevin Culliver, Chuck Ardron, Frank Pilato, Phil Tuck, Anthony Edgar
Tributes from members of the 1977 Australian Schoolboys team “The Invincibles’
Tony Melrose – Captain’s Tribute: During Bob’s illness, I asked the team members to take a moment to reflect on the massive influence he has had on our lives both individually and collectively, his authenticity, selflessness and unbridled passion for not only our team, but the Schoolboys Rugby movement in general, both here and abroad. In doing so myself, a lump formed in my throat and tears rolled. A never-ending kaleidoscope of wonderful memories came flooding over me, the least of which was his standing in our group as the godfather of all 28 of us.
Michael O’Connor: What a difference Brother Bob has made in his lifetime. A former aeronautical engineer, a man with a passion for teaching and rugby. What a job he has done with Australian schools rugby as their president for over two decades… How many Wallabies have come through as a result of Australian Schoolboys Rugby. Bob is everything good about religion, and particularly the Catholic Church. A trusted, caring, empathetic, highly intelligent man who has selflessly served not only his God, but our team. Bob has influenced all our lives in a positive way. I don’t often cry but I did today, recollecting with Susan the circumstances and result of our final selection trial in Sydney. Bob you go straight to heaven 🙏
Wally Lewis: My thoughts (and I’m sure everyone’s) are with a man who played a major role in each and every one of us becoming a better person, as well as a better footy player. It’s been a privilege to know him and to be guided by him. We were all so lucky to be part of a wonderful football team, but even more privileged to learn about life from Bob. And I’m sure we all appreciate his guidance. May he rest in peace.
Merrick Illett: At peace. So glad I had the opportunity facilitated by Lauren to speak with him today and thank him for all he did for us and all he’s done for schoolboy rugby. I’m very grateful for him.
Brad Allan: We are lucky to have known him and had the benefit of of his guidance all those years ago.
Glen Ella: So sorry to hear the bad news. May he rest in peace
Phil Tuck: We give thanks for Bob’s life and the lasting impact he has had on each and every one of us. His influence and impact will last forever in our hearts and minds. We can truly say that we are very fortunate that he has been a part of all our journeys. God bless Bob and may he rest in peace.
Tony & Deanne Melrose: Rest in peace Brother Bob ❤️
Peter McPherson: The stars don’t shine as bright tonight
Michael Hawker: A great man and a very sad occasion. A life well lived, and he leaves a huge legacy which needs to be celebrated like the Irish when we get together later this year. Rest in peace Brother Bob. ♥️🙏
Peter McPherson: I shudder to think what Australian Rugby would look like if we never had Brother Bob involved
Dominic Vaughan: To Brother Bob. To the man he was and to the man that allowed us to grow
Warwick Melrose: This is so sad. What a great man we have all known. Brother Bob, may he rest in peace and thank you for impacting on our lives in such a positive way.
Ian Miller: A great man passed after helping so many, very sad. He had such an impact on our lives and he will be remembered.
Chris Roche: I too am overwhelmed with sorrow and gratefulness.
Phil Tuck: Enduring mateship that is his legacy.
Gary Ella ❤️ So sad to hear the inevitable news of Brother Bob’s passing. He was a great life mentor and friend who always managed to give good advice. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Gary and Kerrie
Max Williams: To Brother Bob. You will be missed in our thoughts and hearts. I owe you so much. To his family and friends, take solace in the knowledge that he was admired, respected and loved by so many. For the boys of the 77’s. We have lost a good friend and mentor but will cherish his memory and legacy till our time comes. Love you Bob.
Glen Ella: So sad to hear the news of Brother Bob’s passing. He was a great bloke, and his witty conversations will be sadly missed. There should be a book written about him for all the things he has done for all of the schoolboys and now schoolgirls as well. We miss him already Glen and Julie ❤️
Peter McPherson: Let us mourn him now then celebrate his amazing life in November
John Matheson: My sincere thanks and appreciation for all that Br Bob has done as an educator, mentor and passionate advocate for schools rugby. The words “good and faithful servant” come to mind. Br Bob, you are loved more than you can know.
George Gavalas: Very sad news, we have lost a champion of a man who will be sorely missed but never forgotten. He inspired and challenged many of us to be the best that we could be in a calm, measured and exact way. He made you feel very special. When he engaged with you, he locked on and made you feel confident, to be the best person possible. Thank you, and may you rest in peace
Tributes recieved through email and Facebook
Paul Bauress, No. 12 Ireland V Australia, Thomond Park, December 1977: May he rest in peace. Legendary.
Norman Anderson: A very good friend of the Scottish Schools Rugby Union.
Ron Tennick, England RSFU (London, England) Dear Kevin, You may remember that we met at Bob’s retirement do in Sydney 6 years ago. I am currently cruising on the Moselle in Germany but felt I must send condolences on behalf of the the England RFSU. Having organised your ’77 tour to the Four Home Unions i obviously spent a great deal of time with Bob. He always came to stay with my wife and I on his visits to England. Bernie Carberry has kept us informed as to Bob’s illness, along with many phone calls with Jim Lucey. A great man who became a friend. He will be sorely missed. I actually attended four of the ’77 reunions – what a great bunch of boys ably organised by Bob, Jim and Geoff. Needless to say, I cannot attend on the 2nd but I have been sent details of live streaming which I will most certainly watch
Greg Ashe, Glenstal Abbey School (Limerick, Ireland): To Br Bob’s family and friends and the Invincibles. We are saddened to hear of the passing of Br Bob. The attached photo hangs outside my office. The late Fr Peter from Glenstal was instrumental in bringing the Invincibles as they were to become to Ireland and indeed to Limerick and Glenstal Abbey School. Australian visitors often comment on this photo. May He Rest in Peace
Paul Southwell: I want to send my condolences and thanks to Br Bob. In an amateur era I was lucky enough to come from a public school and play for Australian Schoolboys, ACT (before Brumbies), NSW Country, NSW, QLD and 5 games for the Wallabies. I am a schoolteacher and Principal/ Head of Junior School, for over 45 yrs. Br Bob was pivotal in this happening.
I commenced teaching in 1979, with the Dept Ed, but quickly found out I wouldn’t be able to play (tour) and retain a job in the dept . Br Bob heard of my problem, and despite barely knowing me he phoned and offered me a job, even when away on the many tours I played in. He kept me in the game of Rugby Union and not moving to League. He also kept me in the teaching profession. I only worked for him for a short three years, and lost contact when I moved, but without his support I wouldn’t have achieved the things I managed to. He was always so humble about the support he had given me.
Stuart Meade: Just saw the news re Br Bob. It is a sad day but the opportunity to celebrate his life in the coming days will be immense. But thoughts are with you and all who were so close to him.
Susan O’Connor: The world has lost a beautiful soul. ❤️
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Gordon Irons: A true rugby gentleman. Was lucky to meet Bob when he was involved with Aussie Schoolboys and his passion for the game and genuine interest in you as a player was impressive and humbling. Yours in Rugby
Ian Walton: Gave me my first teaching position and working with him were the best years of my career. He was a great mentor.
Tavenisa Raiwalui: Rest in peace Br Bob
Mudy Francophone: Rest in peace and God blessing you gracy and mercy
Ben McGee: Thank you Brother Bob for everything you did for Schools rugby. A great man who will be missed
Stephen Phillpotts: What a wonderful legacy Bob left us all!
Stewart Parkinson: Heartfelt condolences. I met him just once but was left with admiration.
Noel Gardner: I feel blessed to have known Br Bob. A great friend and mentor over the years. Hard to believe this day has come. He has always given so much to schools and especially schools rugby. A true legend.
Antony Hastie: A great man for Waverley College and great man for Australian Schools Rugby. A legacy has been lost. A pleasure to know Brother Wallace. Will be missed. Thoughts and prayers with his family.
Murray John Harley: A wonderful man and servant to schoolboy rugby. Vale Br Bob
Justin Carroll: One of the all Time great men of Youth Rugby
Scott Gorham: RIP Br Bob great input into ACT schoolboy rugby. GoYouGoodThing
Howard Duffy: School boy rugby was the recipient of his efforts.
Teejay Haar: I met Bob about six months are go and was doing well then but… RIP
Matt Tink: Changed the lives of so many men including me. One of the greats and will be missed. Thank you Br. Bob.
Ben Rutherford: RIP Brother Wallace – a great man whose tireless contributions and deep passion for Aussie rugby made a lasting impact.
Mark Ryan: Marist Rugby Club, Canberra remembers
Gordon Irons: What a champion rugby man. One of the warmest and committed rugby men I was lucky enough to meet and know. Very sad news.
Rob Shields: Rest in peace. He made the people he met better people for knowing him.
Christine Burrows: May his legacy live on
Josh Vaughan: A great man who had enormous presence.
Noel FitzGerald: VALE BOB WALLACE. Brother Bob first experienced the Rugby code at St Pius X Chatswood. He was transferred from Victoria to St Pius in 1966 or 67. As such Aussie Rules was his passion. He was given the role of coach of the 3rd XV. He was an enthusiastic coach and a passionate student of the code assisted by James Cowman the 3rd’s captain. From there he went on to establish himself in the Schoolboys Rugby in combination with Geoff Mould who was the coach. Great work Brother Bob you will be long remembered by the Rugby community.
Wendy Miller Allotta: An amazing legacy
Emma Kelly & Jonathon McDermott: RIP Brother Bob Wallace
Dave Oliver: One of the greats
Martin Peebles: Lest we Forget
John Boyd: I was lucky to be employed by Brother Bob back in 92. He presented me with many great opportunities both within Waverley College and in the broader CAS community in both cricket and rugby circles. He was a straight shooter, a good listener and a progressive force in every school and organisation he was involved with. As a late vocation to the Christian Brothers he also had a very full life before dedicating his life to the upbringing of young men in the classroom and both sexes as a headmaster. RIP
Anthony Evans: Rest In Peace ‘Wallaby Bob’:Thanks for the memories! ‘Br Bob’ RJW.
Michael Cook: RIP Brother Wallace
Frank Morella: A true gentleman and respect man he will always be in my memory’s
Rugby Australia mourns passing of Australian Schoolboys icon Brother Robert Wallace
Rugby Australia joins the entire Australian Rugby community in mourning the passing of Brother Robert Wallace.
“Brother Bob”, as he was affectionately known, will forever be remembered for his extraordinary 50-year contribution to the Australian Schools Rugby Union and his outstanding work in the field of education.
During his tenure with ASRU, which began in 1971 and continued until his retirement in 2019, Brother Bob played a leading role in the nurturing and development of more than 200 Wallabies representatives and almost 150 Australian Sevens players, as well as many Super Rugby and state athletes.
Among his many career highlights, Brother Bob is credited with introducing Trans-Tasman schoolboys competition, championing the development of schools competition across the Pacific and leading the way in improving the safety of scrums.
Brother Bob passed away peacefully at Concord Hospital on Monday at the age of 87 surrounded by friends, family and colleagues.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh said:
“Brother Bob was influential in shaping generations of Australian Rugby players at the community and pathway level and for that we are eternally grateful.
“His warmth, generosity and commitment to Australian Rugby were truly remarkable; traits I was fortunate enough to experience firsthand during my time representing the Australian Schoolboys.
“I know I speak on behalf of everyone in the Australian Rugby community when I send my condolences to Brother Bob’s family, friends and colleagues and thank him for his wonderful service to our great game.”
“Brother Bob’s legacy will endure in the hearts and minds of past, present, and future players on rugby fields around the world,” Kevin Culliver OAM, President, Australian Schools Rugby Union, added.
“He shaped lives through education, faith, and sport, leaving an indelible mark on Australian rugby and the communities he served.”
On behalf of all members of the 1977 Australian Schoolboys Rugby Union team
On behalf of all members of the 1977 Australian Schoolboys Rugby Union team, we express our profound sadness at the passing of Brother Bob Wallace, our beloved manager and mentor who guided us through one of the most remarkable chapters in Australian rugby history.
Brother Bob was the architect behind the scenes of our unprecedented achievement – an undefeated tour of the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, The Netherlands and Japan, where we won all 16 matches, including victories over the national schoolboy teams of Ireland, Wales and England. While we became known as ‘The Invincibles,’ it was Brother Bob who made us invincible through his meticulous planning, unwavering support, and exceptional leadership.
Brother Bob’s contribution to schoolboy rugby extended far beyond our tour. For more than 50 years, he selflessly dedicated his life to the Australian Schools Rugby Union (ASRU) — first as ACT delegate in 1971, then as Honorary Secretary from 1973, and later as President from 1992 to 2018. He was instrumental in establishing the Australian Schools Championships, now in its 53rd year, managing tours, and building the pathways that continue to develop and inspire young rugby talent across Australia today.
During our 1977 tour, Brother Bob managed every detail with remarkable dedication – from negotiating better accommodation when conditions were unsuitable in Northern England, to ensuring Michael O’Connor’s late inclusion in the trials (a decision that proved pivotal as Michael became our highest point scorer). He navigated diplomatic protocols at Buckingham Palace, where we were received by Queen Elizabeth II as the Queen of Australia during her Silver Jubilee year, and handled countless logistical challenges in an era before mobile phones and computers.
But Brother Bob was far more than a manager. He understood that we were teenagers far from home, some from disadvantaged backgrounds, others from private schools, all needing guidance to come together as a team. He fostered the unity that allowed players from diverse backgrounds to gel into an extraordinary unit. When homesickness struck at Christmas 1977 in the RAF station at Saint Athan just outside Cardiff, Wales, he was there with understanding and support.
Together with coach Geoff Mould and assistant Jim Lucey, Brother Bob created an environment where exceptional individual talent could flourish within a team framework. He had to manage an abundance of future stars of the game who would go on to represent Australia in rugby union and rugby league. His philosophy was simple: get the best players on the field and trust them to deliver.
The impact of that tour resonated through Australian sport for decades. As Brother Bob himself noted, we returned to a nation hungry for sporting success, with the Daily Telegraph’s front page proclaiming us ‘The Invincibles.’ We were awarded the “Keys to the City” and a “Welcome home parade” through the streets of Sydney by the then Lord Mayor. Many of us were fortunate to go on and play for the Wallabies, and the success experienced by all of the members of the 1977 team helped revitalise Australian rugby and inspired a generation.
For those of us who did have the honour of going on to represent our state and/or country at a senior level, to a man, we all believe that the greatest team we ever played in was the 1977 Australian Schoolboys Rugby team.
Brother Bob remained connected to our team throughout his life. At every reunion, his presence reminded us not just of what we achieved, but of the values he instilled: respect for opponents, humility in victory, unity in purpose, and the importance of representing our country with honour.
Bob Wallace stands as one of the most influential figures in Australian rugby history. Through the pathways he helped create, more than 200 Wallabies, 147 Australian Sevens players, 38 representatives of other countries, 9 Kangaroos, and household names in Australian sport have been nurtured and developed, not to mention the tens of thousands of other school children who have also benefited just from their participation in the Australian Championships held annually by the ASRU.
We remember Brother Bob for his dry humour, his fierce protection of our welfare, his ability to see potential in us that we couldn’t see in ourselves, his wisdom, and his genuine care for each of us as individuals. Whether securing free phone calls home through a Welsh butcher’s shop, finding proper kit for late replacement Charlie Lester, or standing on the sideline at Twickenham in the fog to better support us in the final test, Brother Bob was always there when we needed him.
A trusted, caring, empathetic, humble, selfless and highly intelligent man, Bob has positively influenced all our lives and made us better people.
To Brother Bob’s religious community, his family, friends, and all who knew him, we extend our deepest sympathies. We were privileged to have him guide us through those magical weeks in 1977-78, but his influence extended far beyond that tour. He helped shape us and countless others, not just as rugby players, but as men.
As we said then and maintain today, we may have been the ones on the field, but Brother Bob Wallace was the one who made us invincible.
Brother Bob is and was family. When our second rower, George Gavalas, visited Brother Bob in the hospital last week, the nurse asked him if he was Bob’s son. His reply was: “Yes – one of 28 of them.”
Our team remains as tight as ever after 48 years, and we are forever grateful for the life lessons we learnt from Brother Bob and for his dedication to the cause of Australian Rugby and Australian Schools rugby in particular. He remains an inspiration to us all.
Rest in peace, Brother Bob.
From all of us who were honoured to call you our manager, mentor, and friend – thank you for everything.
The 1977 Australian Schoolboys Rugby Union Team – ‘The Invincibles’
Brad Allan, Glenn Bailey, Tony D’Arcy, Michael Egan, Gary Ella, Glen Ella, Mark Ella, George Gavalas, John Hancock, Michael Hawker, Merrick Illett, Richard Leslie, Darrell Lester, Wally Lewis. Andrew MacLean, John Matherson, Michael Maxwell, Peter McPherson, Tony Melrose (Captain), Warwick Melrose, Ian Miller, Shane Nightingale, Michael O’Connor, Graham Reed, Chris Roche, Anthony Ryan, Phillip Tuck, Dominic Vaughan, Max Williams.
If you wish to include a tribute or memory, please email, including your name, to : [email protected]
