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by Colin Spiro 30
September 2008
IRB chairman Bernard Lapasset has mourned the
passing of predecessor Dr Roger Vanderfield, calling him “a
man of stature” following his death aged 80.
“Dr Vanderfield’s contribution to the game
was massive. As a referee he was one of the most respected
officials of his era, and presided over 1,000 first class
matches,” said Lapasset.
“Dr Vanderfield will be remembered not just
as a great stalwart and champion of rugby both as a referee
and an administrator, but also as a dedicated IRB chairman,”
said Lapasset.
Dr Vanderfield, an Australian, was integral
to the creation of the Rugby World Cup with the concept
being pushed forward under his stewardship of the IRB in the
mid 1980s.
It has since grown to become a truly global
event, possibly paving the way for rugby (in the sevens
format) to also become an Olympic sport, something that
Lapasset is very keen to promote.
“He channelled the same degree of passion and
enthusiasm for the game into his role as IRB council member
for Australia and also as Chairman of the IRB. As someone
who had such a strong association with the game his death
will be mourned throughout the rugby community,” said
Lapasset.
“Dr Vanderfield will be best remembered as an
important driving force behind the introduction of the Rugby
World Cup. He was serving as Chairman of the International
Rugby Board when, in 1985, the Australia and New Zealand
Unions launched a joint feasibility study for the creation
of the World Cup tournament. It was a concept that he was
prominent in championing.”
Dr Vanderfield refereed more than 1,260 games
between 1952 and 1976, including 18 international matches.
He then served 23 years as Australia’s representative on the
IRB council, serving as chairman twice (in 1985 and 1992).
He also served as president of the New South
Wales Rugby Union and the Australia Rugby Union.
ARU president Paul McLean also paid tribute
to Dr Vanderfield, praising his “magnificent” contribution
to rugby.
“As an international referee, a president of
the ARU and chairman of the IRB, there were few in the rugby
world who could match his commitment to and standing in our
game.
“It must also be remembered that his efforts
for rugby were in addition to a significant contribution to
the medical profession,” said McLean.
A doctor by profession, he graduated from the
University of Sydney in 1952 and was a member of the Faculty
of Medicine from 1973 to 1991.
He was awarded the OBE in 1976 and the AO
(Officer of the Order of Australia) in 2006 and had a
building named after him at the Royal North Shore Hospital.
His
funeral is due to be held on October 3 in Australia.
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