sidelined

Regardless of who wins the Rugby World Cup, the next few weeks will see the last chapter written in George Gregan’s Test career. His on-field exploits are legendary, but the George Gregan I will remember most vividly is the one who turned up for a public jersey-signing marathon at North Sydney oval a few years ago. It was cold and wet as my 9-year-old daughter and I stood in the queue to get our jerseys signed. George must have signed hundreds of jerseys already by the time it was our turn but he still had a big smile for every fan. My wife had brought her camera to capture the moment when he signed my daughter’s jersey, but the minders were rushing people through so quickly that it seemed a lost cause. George saw what was happening and invited my daughter to come around the table to pose next to him so that my wife could take a good photograph. He didn’t have to do that, but he did it anyway.

That’s the kind of guy he is - a great Wallaby and authentic human being. Thanks, George.