Who We Are
About Classic Wallabies
The Classic Wallabies are the alumni of all Wallabies that have retired from the game.
We exist to continue the mateship and camaraderie beyond the playing days, providing former Wallabies with opportunities to keep in touch, catch up and reminisce about those special times. To recognise and honour the achievements and milestones.
We exist to provide a support network for players to transition into life after rugby, which is increasingly important in the professional era.
We exist to support the ongoing growth and development of grassroots rugby. We have a unique network of people with a desire to help the rugby community. We translate this desire into practical support of rugby, with Classic Wallabies involved in junior skills development clinics, fundraising events and exhibition matches.
We want to give back to the game that we have been so fortunate to play. We want to support the key stakeholders in rugby and help them achieve their mission.
We’re supported by a dedicated national board and a growing team delivering programs on a regular basis.
You can help by getting involved with Classic Wallabies either as a sponsor, supporter or volunteer.
Meet the team
Meet the board of the Classic Wallabies.
Simon Poidevin
President (NSW)
59 Caps | 1980-1991
Ken Wright
Treasurer
9 Caps | 1972-1975
Justin Harrison
General Manager
34 Caps | 2001-2004
Adam Freier
25 Caps | 2002-2008
Nathan Sharpe
116 Caps | 2002-2012
Matthew Alvarez
Rugby Australia Honorary Historian & Statistician
Sean Hardman
4 Caps | 2002-2007
David Croft
5 Caps | 2002-2003
Our Values
Respect
Respect the cultures and traditions of the sport of rugby and all of those who choose to play and support it.
Inclusion
Include all individuals who love the sport of rugby, regardless of upbringing, race or gender.
Mateship
Ensure that the welfare of your fellow members is at the forefront of everything you do.
Passion
Demonstrate pride and support for the achievementsof all Wallabies, both current and former.
History of the Classic Wallabies
The Classic Wallabies are a proud fraternity of ex Australian representative Rugby Union players that maintain and enhance the spirit of camaraderie enjoyed in their former playing days.
Up until 1990 these ex-players would informally meet on a Friday night before a Sydney or Brisbane test match to bond with past team mates and players of other eras. Tour reunions were generally organised by the team captain at a local rugby club or in a player’s backyard.
In 1990, Australia was invited to participate in the Bermuda Classic Over 35’s Tournament along with the New Zealand, France, Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland and the USA.
All international teams adopted the Classic name and so was born the Classic Wallabies.
Founding committee of Stuart Macdougall, Gary Pearse, Ken Wright, Ian Robertson and Peter Carson worked tirelessly to get the team on tour and establish the club. Ex Australian selector Barry Want threw his hat in to assist management while Billy Ross’s efforts north of the Tweed have been enormous.
Since 1990 the Classic Wallabies have participated in selected Bermuda Tournaments and expanded the fraternity’s activities within Australia.
Functions such as Golf Days, Horse Races and On Tour with Classic Wallabies Lunches raised money for selected charities and player hardship funds. In particular the ‘Classics’ have embraced and supported the unfortunate players who have suffered severe neck injuries playing the game.
After many years of self-funding, the Classic Wallabies were incorporated into the ARU management structure to assist in the management, communication and rugby development activities. Current president of Rugby Australia Tony Shaw had a stint as president of the Classics before the was passed to a new era of ex-players with Simon Poidevin, Jeff Miller and Stephen Hoiles stepping up to lead the programs extending to RA & RUPA Career Placement and grass roots rugby development.