Report on John Eales at Boroondara Rugby Club

In working with John Eales on Monday 14th July it gives me great pleasure in presenting the following. I had the opportunity to work with John for an hour and get to know him. He shared his personal, playing and business experiences. John isn't only a man mountain at standing 2 metres tall but a true champion with a big heart in sharing his past. In his presentation that he did in the club rooms it was great to hear him quote that 'the true growth of any game starts at club level'. John is keen to see rugby grow here in Victoria and at seeing the results that our club have been producing in junior club rugby, it's taking huge steps. That's the growth of a dozen players 4 years ago to hopefully a full range of all age groups U8's - Colts next season.

All feedback from parents and players has been extraordinarily positive and gives true motivation in trying to organise a similiar opportunity in the future. Maybe with John? Maybe with someone else? Please see the photos in the gallery to see how fun it was for the boys. The boys learnt from an expert how to place kick the ball. John wasn't so keen on the sidestep drill and confessed that his personal sidestep was more like the old 'Maori' sidestep.

I'd also like to take this time to thank John Eales in his generosity towards 'Our Club' and his time he's allocated to us. Also to be mentioned and thanked is Ian Basser in all his assistance on this one. When Ian originally mentioned this to me 18 months ago, I never believed this would happen. Both of you blokes are true assets to any organisation. Thank you again John and Ian.

It's important from all this that you all understand that John is just one of us. Although he'll always be remembered in history as a legend, he is the most down to earth person I've ever met. It's very public knowledge that he doesn't like taking any personal credit to the success that the Wallabies had in the later part of his career, but his leadership, knowledge and character just show why he was such a successful Australian Rugby Captain. A crucial part to a great team.

Lastly, I'd just like to show how generous John Eales is. He's donated a signed ball, book and rugby guernsey for our auction that is taking place on Saturday 2nd August. And as if this isn't enough, he's also donated for auction a private luncheon for 10 people to an exclusively top restaurant in Melbourne with food and drink expenses paid by a club contact.

Thanks also to everyone that assisted on the day
Glenn Baxter