VALE ROBERT 'BOB' OUTTERSIDE AO

VALE ROBERT 'BOB' OUTTERSIDE AO

It is with a very heavy heart, that Randwick DRUFC announces the passing of Club Legend, Hall of Famer, Life Member and former Wallaby Robert ‘Bob’ Outterside. As many would know, Bob hasn’t been in the best of health for a few years now and slipped away peacefully last night, surrounded by his family, aged 90 years.

Bob played 164 Club Games for Randwick between 1951 and 1961, which included 146 First Grade Games, whom he captained between 1958-61. He scored a total of 134 points in Myrtle Green courtesy of 44 tries and a single goal.

Bob was a highly consistent, tough defending No.8, conspicuous in his headgear, who had an unselfish disregard of his own personal well-being for the good of the team.

Unfortunately, injuries limited his representative opportunities, but he was selected 4 times for NSW between 1953-59 and then won a spot on the Wallaby tour to South Africa in 1953. While he did not play in the Tests, Bob played 12 matches on that tour. Finally, 6 years later in 1959, he was capped, playing 2 Tests against the touring British Lions.

Along with the immortal Wally Meagher, Bob is the only other Wick to have played for Australia, plus both Captain (in 1958) and then Coach a Randwick First Grade Premiership Winning Team (3 in 1971, 73 & 74), so he is in absolutely rarefied air, in terms of the contribution he has made to the game and Randwick Rugby.

After his retirement from playing in 1961, Bob started coaching Randwick Junior and school sides. He eventually became Club Coach in 1970-76 and during that period guided First Grade to 3 Premierships and a Club Championship in 1973.

He was awarded Life Membership of the Club in 1976 and was selected into Randwick’s Hall of Fame in 2011.

Away from rugby, Bob was also a highly successful and respected teacher and school administrator, rising to become principal of Sydney Boys High School. In 1990 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his illustrious services to education and the community.

In paying tribute Randwick DRUFC President John Tuxworth said of Bob’s legacy - “It is often said that successful organisations stand on the shoulders of those that have gone before them and in Bob Outterside’s case they were very broad shoulders indeed. A former Wallaby, first grade coach and player, administrator, educator, mentor and Life Member, Bob was truly a gentleman and a scholar. He was a legendary figure in a legendary club”

At Bob’s request a private family funeral service will held. At a later date, a commemoration will be planned to celebrate his incredible life and achievements. Details for this will be advised by his family in due course.

As a sign of respect for Bob, a period of silence will be observed prior to our First-Grade semi-final kick-off against Sydney University on Saturday and our teams will be wearing black armbands over the weekend.

On behalf of all at Randwick Rugby, we extend our deepest sympathy to his son Cameron, daughters Robyn and Lisa, his extended family and mountain of friends across the rugby world and education sector.

RIP Bob. God bless you, your family and many friends.

Up the Wicks!

Mark Harrison
General Manager
Randwick DRUFC