Vale - Arthur Buchan (Sept 28, 1924 - June 20, 2020)
It’s with great sadness, that Randwick Rugby advises of the passing on Saturday of the legendary Arthur Buchan, aged 95.
Arthur was a former Australian, NSW and Randwick player, who was inducted into our Hall of Fame in 2010, such was his contribution to the game and our club. He was also the 2nd oldest living Wallaby and one of nature's absolute gentleman.
Arthur was reputed to be Australian rugby’s premier No.8 in the immediate aftermath of World War II, renowned for his fearless crash-tackling and cover defence, having the speed of an outside back and for his extremely energetic style of play. He played 10 Tests for Australia, debuting in 1946 against New Zealand in Dunedin.
In 1947/48, he joined 6 other Randwick teammates, including his fellow Hall Of Famer - Col Windon, on the Wallabies tour of Britain and France, where they were selected together in the starting back-row, in all 5 tests.
Arthur played 38 First Grade Games for the Galloping Greens in 1944, 1945 and 1947. He also played club rugby for Sydney Uni in 1946 and with St George in 1948, before moving up the Far North Coast to pursue his teaching career.
As well as starring on the rugby field, Arthur’s other lifelong passions were surf lifesaving and education. He was a brilliant student and graduated with a science degree, before undertaking a decorated teaching career, which culminated in his appointment as Deputy Director General of the NSW Education Department in the early 1980’s. Clearly on and off the field, he was a very heavy hitter!
Randwick Rugby president John Tuxworth said " As an original Randwick Hall of Fame recipient, Arthur’s exalted status in our club placed him alongside many greats of our game. His legacy to rugby and education fittingly remains, with the Arthur Buchan Shield awarded annually to the premier NSW U16s Combined High School rugby team. It’s a sad day at Coogee." he added.
On behalf of all at Randwick Rugby, we extend our deepest sympathy to Arthur’s family and mountain of friends across the rugby world.Service details to celebrate his incredible life, will be advised in due course.
RIP Arthur and god bless you.
Mark Harrison
General Manager
Randwick DRUFC
Photo: Getty Images