22nd June 2010 - Vale John Edward Probert (22.11.1939 - 28.06.2010) John came to us in 1962, played 48 matches (all in the firsts) and scored 40 tries. He also represented Victoria and scored a try against the All Blacks. He was the club secretary in 1964. Our condolences go out to Merryn, Chris, Andrew and David A Service to celebrate the life of John will be held in the Lilydale Memorial Park Chapel, 126 Victoria Rd, Lilydale on MONDAY 5 July 2010commencing at 1.00 p.m.

19th June 2010 - Under 12 State Representatives Dylan & Antonio Faamausili Dylan and Antonio Faamausili have been asked to train with the Victorian Under 12 squad Both lads are the sons of Uita and Nam. A much slimmer Nam was our first grade centre at the end of the last millennium His sons are chip off the old block, Antonio plays inside centre, whilst older brother Dylan plays outside him. POSTCRIPT: Dylan has joined Tim Davis in the team whilst younger brother, Antonio, will have to wait another year.

14th June 2010 - Noel Levin OAM One of our distinguished and long-time club members, Noel Levin,has been awarded an OAM. The citation reads: For service to the Jewish community,particularly the St Kilda Hebrew Congregation, and to people with disabilities through the Riding for the Disabled Association of Victoria.

9th June 2010 - Harroon Durrani-Our Latest International The Pakistan national rugby team defeated Indonesia by 13-11 in the opening match of the Asian Five-nations Div II tournament that started in Jakarta on Wednesday 9th June. Our Haroon Durrani played the full 80 minutes for Pakistan. That is 80 minutes more international rugby than anybody else in the Club For more information click here

6th June 2010 - Vale Ken Alexander Ken Alexander died in Sydney from a heart attack on Sunday 6th June 2010. Ken was a Welsh schoolboy international who immigrated to Australia as a teenager. He came to MRUFC in 1961 and played 21 first grade matches, 43 second grade and 5 third grade. He also scored 10 tries. From 1958 to 1960 he played for Melbourne University. Ken played for Victoria for a number of seasons, mainly in the back row starting in 1958. He played against the British Isles on 23 May 1959, and continued to play for Victoria throughout 1959, 1960 and in 1961 played in the Victorian team against Fiji. He also played in the Victorian team that on 10 May 1961 defeated Queensland 14-9 at Manly Oval and then they played against NSW the following week. Ken's grandson is a prop with Scotch College's Under 14 team Our condolences go out to Carol, David and Bronwyn.

5th June 2010 - Tony Booth 200 First Grade Games Congratulations to Tony Booth who played his 200th first grade match against Moorabbin on the 5th June Tony is well into his forties and should be playing in the Gerries with Yakka and Webby Tony has played in three first grade premierships and has won the club champion's trophy as well as other team prizes. He has also won the VRU best player award

22nd May 2010 - Harry Returns to Orrong Park On Saturday 22nd May 2010, John Harrison's ashes were returned to Orrong Park, his home ground during his career with Melbourne

22nd May 2010 - Max Slater Max Slater has been picked in the Victorian Colts Team to play NSW Country in Newcastle

21nd May 2010 - John Zarb Clubhouse Manager John is an ugly bloke and is reluctant to show us his golden looks. Your webmaster will try and sneak a photo of him soon He is not married yet but has a partner named Maria, and one daughter. He has lived in Frankston all his life. John has a radio spot on Casey Radio 97.7FM every sunday night during cricket season with the Cricket Victoria Show and has been at it for 21 years He has also worked on Radio 1116 SEN, featuring The Nightwatchman cricket show.

20th May 2010 - U12 State Rep Player Tim Davis Congratulations to Tim Davis who has been selected in the VRU U12 team for season 2010. Tim’s selection builds on his fine play last season in the premiership winning U12 and the hard work with this years U12 team, coached by Mark Bishop. 1998 - Born and grew up on the rugby field at Geelong Grammar School 2005 to 2006 - Had his first introduction to playing rugby in Scone (upper Hunter Valley of NSW) in Walla-rugby and rugby league 2007 - Returned to Victoria and tried his hand at AFL - did not enjoy at all 2008 - 2010 - played for Melbourne U10 & U12 Position 2010 - Centre, Wing and Fullback for Melbourne Selected to play wing for State Team The State team travel to Adelaide to play SA, Wagga to play the ACT, and Sydney to attend the NSW State Championships. There are significant costs associated ($1,300+) with being a VRU junior representative player and to assist the Davis family the junior section will have a fund raising bucket at the ground this Saturday. Please show you support and we wish Tim and his family all of the best as our latest state representative.

10th May 2010 - Another Flying Winger for the Lucmorts Our mighty flying frog, Maxime, has sired another sibling snot machine for Paul. The photo shows Sabine and Max with their children

1st May 2010 Today we registered our 100th junior.

26 April 2010 - Vale Michael John Grant Mike Grant passed away at the Alfred Hospital on Monday 26th April after a fall. Mike has been a stalwart of the club since he joined in 1971, both as a player and an administrator. Even though he only played two third grade and fourteen fourth grade matches, he served us for many years as a committee member, coach and team manager. He was on the side line every week cheering on the players and he will be missed by the Club and his mates. Mike was also an active member of the Yarra Yarra Rowing Club Our thoughts are with his partner Lorraine and sister Terri.

10th April 2010 - The Young Bull is in the Victorian State Team Congratulations to Elliot Bull for making the Victorian state team

13th March 2010 - VRU Tens Competition Melbourne defeated Harlequins in the Bowl final Click here to view the photos

28th February 2010 - International Touch Competition New Zealand 3 Australia 2 To read Gillie's report Click here To view the photos Click here

24th February 2010 - First Premiership for 2010 Fawkner Park Mens Touch Pool 1 Grand Final MRUFC Rowzy's 10 defeated MRUFC Unicorns 7. Another classic Grand Final with MRUFC having both their teams make it through to the grand final and the Rowzy's coming out triumphant over the minor premiers in the grand final. The first Premiership of what we hope will be a huge 2010.

1st February 2010 - Bill McLarens Funeral All rugby followers have heard the great voice of Bill McLaren Our Michael Graham was a pallbearer at Bill's funeral Michael is the red head in the centre of the photograph

22 January 2010 - Vale: John Samuel Harrison Harry passed away on 19th January 2010, aged 75, after a long illness. He started playing with the Club in 1964. He thought he was training with Melbourne University and nobody bothered to tell him any different. He played a total of 426 games , including 68 in 1st Grade. His position was No 8, however, in his later years he graduated to the front row. He scored a total of 1259 points, made up of 40 tries 243 conversions 211 penalties 1 field goal He was our statistician from the 1960s to 2005 and he is the reason why we now have statistics on every player who has donned a Melbourne jersey since 1926 Our condolences go out to his sisters Wendy, Robyn & Julie and brother Richard

17th December 2009 - A Brat for the Roys It is a pity that the headline was not A ROY BOY - maybe next time! Jim & Jo Roy have announced the birth of the beautiful Emily May Roy born 03:57am on Thurs 17th Dec after a swift 30hours of labour She weighed in at 8pounds 10 ounces and luckily, looks like her mum.....THANK GOD!!!!!! She also has more hair than her dad

25th November 2009 - Committee 2010 Patron - Jonathon Ramsden President - John Rosenhain Secretary - Michael Gillard Assistant Secretary - Colin Woolhouse Treasurer - Owain Stone Junior Coordinator - To be advised Assistant Treasurer - Paul Boyes Committee Member - Nick Farnan Committee Member - Simon Webster Committee Member - Fraser McMillan

25th November 2009 - John Rosenhain, President John was a member of the 1973 Colt's premiership team, captained by Ted Baillieu and included past president - Chunky Burge He played a total of 53 games and scored six tries John is the managing director of The Building Works     Our president asked your web master to replace the photo on       the left with the much younger version above.     We must point out that the photo on the left is a much better       likeness and more typical of him in the new millenium

18th September 09 - Trophy Winners 2009 Club Champion - Mitch Canning (J.D STEVENSON CUP) Clubman - Mike Gillard (K.A.W KENNINGTON CUP) U8 Green Best Team Player - Bud Trevillian (Greg & Maria Fergus Award) Most Improved Player - Nicholas Fergus U8 Gold Best Team Player - Hayden Rees (Greg & Maria Fergus Award) Most Improved Player - Ethan Cockburn U10 Blue Best Team Player - Pius Bonjui (CTM Consulting Award) Most Consistent Player - Hamish McIlroy U10 Green Best Team Player - Campbell Jones (CTM Consulting Award) Most Consistent Player - Stephen Wylie U12 Best Team Player - Jack Chapple Best & Fairest - Felix Dunphy Junior Front Rower of the Year - Matthew Dudgeon Best Back - Dylan Faamusil The Tony Kastelan Junior 'clubman' Team 2009 - Under 6 Colts Most consistent - Dan Corcoran & Lachy Fenton (J.W RAMSDEN CUP) Most improved - Max Barrows Best Player - Chris Ling (THE SECRETARY CUP) 3rd Grade Most Consistent - Drew Dalton (DOUG GEORGE TROPHY) Best Player - Rob Ivory (ALFRED TILLEY TROPHY) 2nd Grade Most consistent - Benny Hibell (IAN SHIACH AWARD) Best Players - Brian Roberts & Charlie Bowler (J.J KING TROPHY) 1st Grade Most consistent - George Linn (H.H RIGG TROPHY) Best Player - Tom Lucas (N.B WILSON TROPHY) Other Awards Medicare Award - Anthony Meurer (Man of a Thousand injuries) (MEDICARE AWARD) Tryers Trophy - Haroon Durrani (INFAMOUS TOILET SEAT) Junior Fratust - Dan Corcoran (FRATUST TROPHY) Senior Fratust - Graham Scott (FRATUST TROPHY) Club Rising Star - Chris Ling (FRATUST TROPHY) Most Improved Club Player - Elliot Bull (A.H GIBBS TROPHY)

12th September 2009 - MELBOURNE FIRST GRADE PREMIERS 2009 First Grade Grand Final: Melbourne 27   Box Hill 17 Tries: James Slattery 2, Ben Jones Goals: Ben Jones 3 Penalties: Ben Jones 2 MELBOURNE UNDER 12 PREMIERS 2009 Under 12 Grand Final: Melbourne 39   Maroondah 12 Click here to view the photos

20 August 09 - Michael O'Brien-The First Streaker All rugby followers are aware of the famous photograph taken at Twickenham during the England/France test of 1974. Mike was the first person to streak at a sporting event and he started a phenomenon that has encircled the western world. Newer club members may not be aware that Michael is a member of the Melbourne Rugby Club and has been for many years. Michael was a hooker, who played 207 games from 1978 A new photograph has been unearthed that shows our Michael running on the field, before he was apprehended by the gendarmerie If you look closely you will see that it was very cold that day. Click here for more details on the legend that is Michael J O'Brien

5 July 09 - Our Bazza Mouths Off Click here to read Barry Bowler's thoughts, from the Sydney Sunday Herald, on who should get the next Super 15 franchise There is also a photograph of somebody, who is definitely not Sir Edward Dunlop

1st July 09 - New Club Additions The Rowzies who comprise the third grade are usually old and married. Recently three of them have helped in the production of snot machines. Here we have Tim "Two Bums" Austin with Olivia Jane born on the 25th June and weighing 7 pounds 3 Ounces Next we have Guy Sawly-Cookson with Harriet Eve - birthday and weight unknown And last, but not least, Olly Garside, who managed to put a spout on his. - here he is with Henry Charles born on the 30th June and also weighing 7 pounds 3 Ounces

13th June 09 - Dylan Faamausili Dylan played his first game of rugby for our Under 12s and scored three tries Dylan is the son of Nam Faamausili, a first grade centre at the end of the last millennium Dylan played in his dad's shorts, which proves that either Dylan is a big boy, or Nam's playing weight was a lot less than he is now; or both. Dylan is the lad on the right. The fat one on the left is his father, who cannot fit into those shorts anymore. To view the Under 12 photos and some of Dylan's running ability, click here

16th May 09 - Emily Stewart-Jack - Administration Manager You will have noticed Emily around the clubrooms, mainly because she is much better looking than her predecessor. Emily is our new Administration Manager. She has a masters degree in business administration plus an undergraduate diploma in recreational management.

16th May 09 - Victorian Under 20 Representatives Congratulations to Ben Stokes, Alex Pappas, Dan Corcoran, and Will Chalmers who have been selected in the Victorian Under 20 side to play NSW Country Under 20s

21st April 09 - Vale John Kingdon John Kingdon, Melbourne Rugby Club player, manager and coach passed away on 19th April John was member of our club for over 30 years and was an extremely popular clubman who had coached the second & third grades throughout the late 70's & early 80's. John was a regular attendee on the sideline at matches throughout each season and has always maintained a regular & enthusiastic interest in our Club. John had been suffering from Motor Neurone disease for a while, however his health deteriorated rapidly after suffering a bad fall last Friday We extend our thoughts & prayers to Libby and John's family and friends.

8th April 09 - Gordon Campbell Mk2 Gordon Campbell played for Melbourne from 1979 to 1988. We had two Gordon Campbells - Mk1 was a prop, therefore, Mk2 was relegated to lock He is currently head coach of the University of South Florida Rugby Club, based in Tampa, Florida (Website) On the 29th March, they won the USA Rugby South Championship in Tuscaloosa, Alabama On Saturday, March 28, USF defeated Appalachian State 19-14 in the semi final and on Sunday, March 29, USF defeated the 2008 USA Rugby South champions by 27 to 24, meaning USF are now the 2009 USA Rugby South Champions.

10th March 09 - Junior Coordinator Our new junior coordinator is Caitlin Hayman. Caitlin can be contacted on 0413118296 or by email A big thankyou to Katrina Coltman who stepped into the breach last year at the last moment

8th February 09 - Stan Bullock Ex-President and past player, Stan Bullock, has been in the news in Colac . To find out more Click Here

18th December 08 - John Dennett John and Jenny have returned to Australia after living and working in Kuwait and Belfast. To read their Christmas letter Click Here

9th December 08 - 2009 Committee Patron - Jonathon Ramsden President - Jed Macartney OAM Secretary - Michael "Gilly" Gillard Assistant Secretary - John Rosenhain Treasurer - Owain Stone Assistant Treasurer - Paul Boyes Junior Co-ordinator - Katrina Coltman Social Secretary - Holly Ames Committee Member - Robert "Gabba" Gash Committee Member - Colin Woolhouse Committee Member - Charles Leyland

1st December 08 - 2009 Season The Pillar Cup is defunct. Under the leadership of Jed Macartney the club presidents made a recommendation to the VRU Click Here The VRU has decided to revert to the previous format of two divisions. The premier division will have eight teams. Click here and here for further information

6th November 08 - Vale Ronald Brian Booth Ronnie Booth played for Melbourne during the 50's & 60's He also coached 1st Grade during the 70s

6th October 08 - Trophy Winners 2008 Under 18s Best Forward - Rob Sartain (R.GASH TROPHY) Best back - David Hardisty (D.WALKER TROPHY) Clubman - Lindsay Smith (J.MACARTNEY TROPHY) Colts Most consistent - Gerdus Buitendag (J.W RAMSDEN CUP) Most improved - Steven Glagau Best Player - Charlie Cruickshank (J.S HARRISON CUP) 3rd Grade Most consistent - Richard Ferguson (DOUG GEORGE TROPHY) Best Player - Mitch Hardisty (ALFRED TILLEY TROPHY) 2nd Grade Most consistent - Jeremy Wood (IAN SHIACH AWARD) Best Player - William Renton (J.J KING TROPHY) 1st Grade Most consistent - Tim Lindsay (H.H RIGG TROPHY) Best Player - Tom Lucus (N.B WILSON TROPHY) Other Awards Junior Front Rower - Charlie Cruickshank (FRATUST AWARD) Senior Front Rower - Benjamin Nash (FRATUST AWARD) Medicare Award - Simon Blair (MEDICARE AWARD) Tryers Trophy - Scott Morgans INFAMOUS TOILET SEAT Club Rising Star - Paul McConnochie (FRATUST TROPHY) Most Improved Club Player - Lewis Wright (A.H GIBBS TROPHY) Clubperson of the Year - Holly Ames (KENNINGTON CUP) Club Champion - Simon Webster (J.D STEVENSON CUP)

12 September 08 - The Father Bob Maguire Foundation The guest speaker at the last president's lunch was Father Bob Maguire Father Bob was very satisfied with our donation Click here

11 September 08 - The Doctor Lives Mike Grant, AKA Dr Grunt, is alive and well and home in Malvern. Members will know that Mike had a problem last Saturday night. He found that his left leg took shorter steps than his right and he started going around in circles. Some unkind people, who no Mike, stated that he was pissed again. He spent two days in the Alfred and he is now back to normal

30th July 08 - Vale John Stevenson   Major General John Dennis Stevenson AO CBE passed away on Wednesday     30 July 2008, two weeks short of his 83rd birthday.   John was a former player, club captain, patron (for 12 years over two terms)   and a life member. He was captain of the 1954 premiership team.   In the Seventies, the Combines Services Rugby Club was formed. His heart was with Melbourne, however, his subordinates played with Combined Services and he was an executive of that Club. It is due to his management skills, that a strong off field bond developed between Melbourne and Combined Services and when they folded, many of their players came to Melbourne

26th July 08 - Bledisloe Cup We now know why they were not at the game on Saturday. Note the broad smile from Barry Bowler, the lad from the North Island. If you watched the end of the last test, you would have seen that same smile in the crowd at Eden Park

13th June 08 - Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop honoured with Wallaby Hall of Fame induction "Weary" Dunlop has been inducted into the wallaby hall of fame Click Here Sir Edward played with the Old Boys Rugby Club, who united with Melbourne in the Thirties "Weary" designed the club emblem, as a rampant unicorn, ie with appendages in the appropriate area .

12th June 08 - ‘Unicorn' born in captivity A DEER with a single horn in the centre of its head has been born in an Italian nature reserve, sparking talk of unicorns. Oh deer, this young buck sports the unicorn look "This is fantasy becoming reality,'' Gilberto Tozzi, director of the Centre of Natural Sciences in Prato, told The Associated Press. "The unicorn has always been a mythological animal.'' The roe deer was born in captivity in the research centre's park in the Tuscan town of Prato, near Florence, Mr Tozzi said. The condition is believed to have been caused by a genetic flaw; the deer's twin has two horns. Mr Tozzi, who had never seen the condition before, said such anomalies may have inspired the myth of the unicorn. The unicorn, a horse-like creature with magical healing powers, has appeared in legends and stories throughout history. "This shows that even in past times, there could have been animals with this anomaly,'' he said. We at the Melbourne Rugby Club do not know what all the fuss is about. Our members have produced half a dozen unicorns over the past 12 months, including a unicorn frog (see below)

7th June 08 - Neishy got Married That is all we know! Your webmaster has know idea, who he got married to or whether it was a shotgun or not. He is condemned. No rugby player worth his salt, should ever get married during the season. Winter is for playing. Spring and summer is for rooting. We expect a unicorn snot machine within the next 9 months Here is some photos of the drunks that aided and abetted this crime.

2nd June 08 - An Aussie Frog is Born Paul Lucmort has arrived in Australia via his mother Sabine with minimum help from father Maxime Max was heard to say that it was a pleasure to help out

14th March 08 - Anton's Latest Achievement
Maali May Pilli was born on 10 Oct 07 to Keren and Anton	The other baby in the house is shown at a Bon Jovi concert

20th February 08 - Rowzy's Touch Premiership Win The first premiership for 2008 was won last night with the Rowzy's defeating Powerhouse Barbarians in the men's touch at Fawkner Park. Final score was 7-5 in a close affair with Rob Weaver scoring a hat trick, to get the guys home and "Goalie Rob" giving a memorable celebration after scoring one in the corner also. The Barbarians were minor premiers but were smacked by the Rowzy's in the 1st semi 16-3 and then stacked the GF squad with PH 1st grade ring-ins, all to no avail as the Rowzy spirit prevailed & the lads came away with another premiership and a heap of hangovers today. Back: Olly, JT, Kaz, T-Train, Browny, Goalie Rob, Weaver & Gibbo Front: Fiji Lee, Benny, RickyBro, Gilly, FatarseAustin, Rimjoy & Bales Absent: WobbleFergus & LeprachaunQuinn

10th January 08 - Peter Roberts Peter is our sports therapist. He is at the games every week and is on the field when you are hurt. He is the bloke who wipes your nose and the tears from your eyes. Peter holds a clinic in the clubrooms every Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:30PM during season for the poor lads who are convalescing. Peter W Roberts BSc(Hons) Sports Therapy Remedial Massage Therapist Reiki Treatment Practitioner 80 Dorcas Street South Melbourne Victoria Tel: 0401538713   Email: peter.roberts40@hotmail.co.uk