Vale - Alan Morton AM, 1934-2026
Sadly, another one of Randwick Rugby's absolute tall timbers has fallen and today we mourn the loss of one of the Wicks greatest players in Alan Morton AM, who passed away in Perth last Friday aged 91. Alan, was one of nature's gentlemen and a hugely respected man who lived an amazing life - both on and off the field - as a player, coach, scientist, academic, mentor and devoted family man.
In his prime on the rugby field Alan was one of Australia’s premier wingers. Strong, tough and always very fit, he was an incredibly powerful runner, brilliant in attack, and equally devastating in defence. Originally from Queanbeyan, he played two seasons of club rugby for St George in 1954-55 before he moved to us at Randwick in 1956 and played at Coogee until 1965.
He played 88 First Grade games during that period, scoring 69 tries in his myrtle green career and was our leading try-scorer in 1956 and 1959. He was a member of two of our First Grade Premiership winning teams in 1959 and 1965 - which the latter was fittingly his final game for us. That legendary team contained the likes of Ken Catchpole, Peter Johnson, John Weber, John Francis, Jeff Sayle, Mick Stynes, Mick Young, Denis Cleary and so the list went on! See both of those team photos below.
In 1956, Alan made his representative debut for NSW against Queensland and would go on to play for his state on 14 occasions. In 1957 he made his international debut for Australia at the SCG vs the All Blacks to become Wallaby #422. That year, he was also chosen to tour the British Isles, France and North America and in total went on to play 11 Tests for his country, in a three-year international career.
To understand the lofty status, he was held in at Randwick Rugby, Alan was named on the wing in our historic Dream Team or Team of the Century, which was selected in 2003 to celebrate the first 100 years of our club. For context, he got the nod alongside fellow club and Wallaby legend, the mercurial David Campese.
His rugby career was often punctuated by his university studies in teaching and science, including a number of years spent in the US and Canada. On his return to Australia, he moved to Perth where he played club rugby for the University of Western Australia (UWS) and was an icon there. He was captain/coach of the Western Australia Rugby team in interstate and international games - including against the All Blacks in 1970 when aged 37.
His career off the field, as an exercise physiologist and scientist was equally as decorated and he was a long time academic at the University of Western Australia. In the 2001 Queen's Birthday Honours he became a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for services to sports science and for the development of Sports Science in Australia - especially the effects of physical training on the cardio-respiratory system.
A true intellect, he held a Diploma of Physical Education, a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Science degree and a Doctor of Education Degree and has been awarded Fellowships in Australia and all around the world for Exercise Physiology and Sports Science. Despite all his many achievements, he remained a humble man and a people's person who was revered by all, which was very evident reading the many tributes from his academic peers, rugby mates and students.
The service to celebrate Alan’s life will be held in Perth on Wednesday, June 3rd at 12.30pm at Karrakatta Cemetery, Railway Road Karrakatta.
On behalf of all at Randwick Rugby, we extend our deepest sympathy to his children Nicole, Peter, Cindy and their families, plus, his vast array of friends and admirers from around the country and globe, who he touched in his remarkable life.
RIP Alan. God bless you and your family.
Up the Wicks!
Mark Harrison
General Manager
Randwick Rugby Club
