20/10/2009
Australian Rugby Union mourns the passing of Leo Williams AO
One of the leading figures behind Rugby’s move into the professional era as the then Chairman of the Australian Rugby Union, and later the Chairman of Rugby World Cup, Leo Williams AO, has passed away in Brisbane at the age of 68.
A former QRU President and ARU Chairman, Leo Williams AO went on to become Chairman of Rugby World Cup Ltd from 1995 to 2000.
A former Queensland Reds player (1962-1965) and team manager (1971-1972), Mr Williams followed in the footsteps of the late Joe French as President of the Queensland Rugby Union from 1988 to 1995, one of the Union’s most successful periods.
He was elected to the ARU Board in 1993 as Deputy Chairman, and went on to become Chairman from 1994 to 1995.
He also held administrative and coaching positions at the University Club in Queensland, and is well known for his close affinity and rapport with the players and officials he worked with at the national, state and club level of the game.
Mr Williams was made an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in the 1999 Australia Day Honours for his service to Rugby Union, the law and the community.
In July 2007 Mr Williams received the Joe French Award for outstanding service to the Australian Rugby Union.
John O’Neill, CEO and Managing Director of the ARU, who worked closely with Mr Williams during his time as ARU Chairman said: “Leo contributed a great amount to our game at both national and international level.”
“He will always be remembered as being in the Chair at the Australian Rugby Union at the time of the historic creation of SANZAR, and with Louis Luyt (South Africa) and Richie Guy (New Zealand) was one of the three signatories to the broadcasting contract with News Limited, which heralded the move of Rugby into the professional era.”
“He then went on and chaired Rugby World Cup 1999 to its success in Wales, and further helped to establish the event as one of the five major sporting events on the global sporting calendar.”
“As well as that, through his work both with the Wallabies and Queensland Reds, he played a key role in the development of many players who enjoyed prominent Test careers.”
“He was a passionate and dedicated servant of the game. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Nancye and his family.”
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
For more information on Leo Williams and his relationship with South Australian Rugby Union, please click here.