Scotch College

Scotch rugby coach receives national award

The Australian Rugby Schools' Union National Championships were held at Xavier College from September 16 to 22, during the third term vacation. This was a spectacular event with all States and Territories represented by over two hundred and eighty of the best open age rugby players in Australia. The Tournament was a great success with New South Wales winning Division 1, and Victoria winning Division 2. A Silver Jubilee Dinner was held at the Rugby Club of Victoria, on the 41st floor of the South Tower, Rialto Building. During the evening a number of presentations were made with the most significant being the 1999 presentation of the Australian Schools' Rugby 'Merv and Iris Allen Award'. This award is made to a teacher who has made a major and consistent contribution to schoolboy rugby.

The award this year was presented to Mr Chris Taylor, Head of Art at Scotch College and Coach of the U16 Rugby Team for 1999. Mr Taylor was the Chairman of the National Tournament this year and previously in Victoria in 1992. For many years he has coached first fifteen rugby, and has been an executive member of the Victorian Schools Rugby Union since 1984, including terms as Chairman and Treasurer. On six occasions he has been either Coach or Manager of the Division 2 Australian Team, including during the overseas tour to Japan in 1993.

He has been Coach or Manager of the Victorian U16s and Open teams, both at national championships, and on overseas tours of Japan, New Zealand, and the United States of America. It was a fitting reward for his dedication to the sport.