Vale & Tribute - John Berne, 1954 - 2026

John was one of nature's true gentlemen, a much-loved family man, whose friendly nature, famous dry wit and always smiling face, made him such a popular figure.

Originally, from Northern Ireland, John moved to Australia at the age of seven and with his family settled locally in Botany and was schooled at Pagewood Marist Brothers. After playing both union and league as a kid, he eventually found his way to Coogee Oval to begin his senior rugby journey in myrtle green.

John was equally skilled at playing at fly half or at inside centre and was known to be dynamic in both attack and defence. He played a total of 42 games for Randwick, all in First Grade, from 1973 to 1975 and scored 6 tries.

He was a member of two of our First Grade Premiership winning teams in 1973 and 1974, playing at 10 with his partner in crime Alan Sing in the halves. In an era when Randwick was stacked with players of incredible talent, John was deemed the dux of the class in 1973, taking out our club’s Best & Fairest Player Award that year.

In 1974, John made his representative debut for Sydney and then was capped for New South Wales 6 times. His outstanding form was rewarded with his selection in the Australian squad for the 1975-76 tour of Great Britain. He received his first and only Test cap against Scotland at Murrayfield in 1975, to become Wallaby No 586.

At the peak of his rugby powers and to help provide for his family, in 1976 John was lured over to play Rugby league and spent many years playing professionally, initially for South Sydney, then Cronulla and Eastern Suburbs playing First Grade. All up he would go onto play 116 First Grade games in his 9 seasons in the NSWRL.

Both of John's sons, Shaun and Mick, also went onto play First Grade for Randwick, and then professionally, with Shaun being our Shute Shield Premiership winning captain in 2004 and obviously our current First Grade Coach of the past two seasons. So, the Berne’s are one of the great Wicks families and John’s loss hits hard right across our community.

Despite his many sporting achievements, he was a humble family man, who people just gravitated towards socially to enjoy his warmth, humour and love of life.

On behalf of all at Randwick Rugby, we extend our deepest sympathy to John’s wife Anne and his sons Shaun and Mick, his daughter Mairead and their families, which included his nine grandchildren - who he absolutely adored and was adored by them in return. Plus, we send our best wishes to his vast array of friends from across our community and the sporting codes who he touched in his remarkable life.

RIP John. God bless you and your family.

Up the Wicks!

Mark Harrison

General Manager

Randwick DRUFC

The family - always smiling!

John on the fly in 1973

1974 1st Grade Premiership team - John front row on far right.