Robert “Bob” Walter Smethills
Dr Robert Walter (Bob) Smethills OAM was made a Life Member of the Australian Schools Rugby Union in 2005.
This was in recognition of his services over many year as an Honorary Doctor to schools rugby at all levels.
He was the Honorary Doctor for the Australian Schools Rugby Teams in 1989 and 1993 on their tours to the UK and Ireland.
He was also in that role with the Australian Team for local Tests and Tours to New Zealand.
The ACT Schools Rugby Union was also fortunate to have his services with their team over many years.
He was the Patron of the ACT Schools Rugby Union from 1978.
His services were not confined to schools rugby—he was Manager of the senior ACT Rugby Team in 1978 when they played and beat Wales.
At the Club level he was extensively involved with the Wests Rugby Club, being their Patron from 1970. Robert is also a Life Member of Western Districts Rugby Union Club, ACT.
Players at every level not only availed of his medical expertise, but found him to be a good friend in whom they could confide and get advice.
In 1994 Robert was awarded a medal of the Order of Australia for Service to rugby union football and to sports medicine.