The Hawthorne Club Lunch - Friday July 26th 2024
Join us for our lunch with our Guests of Honour Andrew Blades and Gordon Bray
Andrew Blades is widely regarded as one of the finest tight-head props to have ever donned the Wallabies jersey. Renowned for his exceptional scrummaging skills, Andrew made his debut in the Wallabies' match 22 line-up in 1992 against the formidable All Blacks. That same year, he embarked on tours with the Wallabies to both South Africa and the United Kingdom, showcasing his prowess on the international stage. Despite his initial selection, his first Test Cap eluded him until 1996 when he faced Scotland.
His illustrious career reached its pinnacle in 1999 when he played his final game, earning his 32nd cap as the Wallabies triumphed over France in the Rugby World Cup final. Post-retirement, Andrew seamlessly transitioned into coaching, initially with the Newcastle Falcons in England. Subsequently, he brought his wealth of experience back to Australia, serving as a forwards coach for the Wallabies from 2004 and 2012 to 2015.
Gordon Bray is well known as the “Voice of Rugby” and was a talented schoolboy rugby player from Homebush High. He has commentated at 9 Olympic Games, 5 Commonwealth Games, over 400 rugby internationals, and all Rugby World Cups. Gordon has been awarded an ASM and OAM, the Penguin Award for sports broadcasting and is an inductee into the SCG Media Hall of Fame. He has written six books on rugby.
His latest book “Immortals of Australian Rugby Union” will be on sale at this Luncheon, and he will autograph copies. We will have plenty of copies available at a subsidised price through The Hawthorne Club. Each Immortal player named is profiled in a dedicated chapter with career stats and multiple action images. There is also a group of honourable mentions and an Immortals Wallaby side.
This lunch raises funds for The Hawthorne Club Rugby Investment Programs which supports Hunter Rugby, Hunter Wild?res, Hunter Juniors and NRURA Referees and the Rugby Mates in initiative .
When: Friday, July 26
Time: 11:45am – 3:45pm
Venue: Greystone Estate, Pokolbin
Dress: Business Attire
Cost: $160 members, $180 non members, Table of 10 for $1500
Bus: $30, departing Newcastle, venue TBC
