The King’s Birthday Honours’ list in Australia included a creditable section of match officials from across the Australian rugby community.
Top billing sees two-time-RWC referee, Wayne ‘Gus’ Erickson (pictured top left) become a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) after a stellar career across his refereeing duties but also to education and the wider community in Sydney. Erickson has held senior positions with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Referees Association and the Sydney University Football Club and is a Life Member of Petersham Rugby Club and the Rugby Club of Sydney. He was part of the referee management team for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
He is joined on the Birthday Honours’ list by these recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia and can add OAM after their names:
- Kevin Maloney, a Life Member of Rugby Victoria, for service to rugby union and the community. Maloney has served as a referee, coach, president and committee member with the Victorian Rugby Referees Association and founded the Australian Service Rugby Referees Association.
- Brian Lulham, a Life Member of the ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union for service to sport and to the law. Lulham has refereed more than 100 first grade games and was a recipient of the Dick Webb Memorial Trophy by the NSW Rugby Referees Association.
- Warwick Negus, NSW Rugby Union Non-Executive Director and active referee
- Neil McWhannell GAICD JP is a member of the NSW Rugby Referees Association
The UK version of the Honours’ List is announced late on Friday night (12 June), ahead of the official King’s Birthday celebrations, including the Trooping the Colour ceremony, on Saturday.
Commenting on the Australian recipients, Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said, “From volunteers to match officials, life members to coaches, it is wonderful to see the best of Australian Rugby represented in today’s King’s Birthday Honours List. We are blessed to have so many dedicated and passionate people at all levels of Australian Rugby sharing a bond built on service, friendship and a deep and abiding love for our great game. Whether serving at the local canteen or performing on the global stage, our vast rugby community is truly special and one we deeply appreciate.
“On behalf of everyone at Rugby Australia, I congratulate today’s honourees and extend to them our heartfelt gratitude for all they do to unite and inspire Australians every day through rugby.”
Many congratulations to Wayne, Kevin, Brian and Neil for all you’ve done for refereeing and the game through your respective careers.
Be the first to comment