The Eltham rugby club family has lost a pillar of its community with the passing of David Evans early Wednesday morning, 25th February, age 73, after a brave battle with cancer.
A native of Liverpool (UK), David and his wife, Noreen, emigrated to Australia in 1978. David joined Eltham RUFC in 1985 after a brief stint playing with Harlequins Rugby Club. For many years he played in the legendary Eltham Masters team (“the fossils”), picking up Premiership wins in 1992, 1996 and1998-99. On good authority it is reported that he played one first grade match against Maroondah Rugby Club. David also coached and mentored both U18s and Colts sides over a number of years, where he was not afraid to impose harsher sanctions than the governing judiciary for offences that resulted in players being sent off. He was also the “keeper” of what would now be regarded as a notorious rugby songbook of biblical proportions, from which many a post-match rendition would emerge.
Off the field, David served as President for fours years (1999-2002), was a club sponsor through his real estate businesses, and played a pivotal role in helping rescue the club from dire financial circumstances by setting up the Harrop O’ Hagan Club in 2005 with the (significant) membership fees going to the club. However, it is the story of how both the Bledisloe and Rugby World Cups came to the club’s presentation day in 2000 that best captures the ingenuity, charm and persuasive personality of David. A boozy Weary Dunlop Lunch, a quiet word to then Australian Rugby President, John O’Neil, a Trump-like message to one of O’Neil’s staff (“…he said we could have it…”) and the deal was sealed. Months later, after some creative fundraising from Eltham businesses, both cups were loaded into (believe it or not) the back of an old Ford ute at Tullamarine airport to do the rounds of Coles and Volumes in Eltham before ending up at Eltham rugby club. David was awarded Life Membership in 2002.
David had many interests that he genuinely enjoyed sharing with people. He was the instigator of the Friday Night Racing trips to Moonee Valley, and more recently the Cast Iron Stomach Club where gatherings of past and present club members would be held at local watering establishments. He had a deep love of music, attending gigs and, of late, writing and playing songs with Roger Thompson and another Eltham rugby club Life Member, Bill Cooper, even scoring some airplay on Radio 3RRR! To cap things off, he was also a marriage celebrant. Despite his illness, he always retained his passion for Eltham rugby club, holding court over a couple of drinks on Thursday evenings, and ever present on match days. A true club legend! We extend our deepest condolences to Noreen and family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Photo: David and Noreen Evans in front of the Bledisloe and Rugby World Cups.
A Funeral Service will be held at:
Le Pine Funerals, Wednesday March 4th at 2pm,
848 Main Rd., Eltham VIC 3095
Following the service, a wake will be held at:
Eltham Rugby Club at 3pm,
58 Bridge St., Eltham VIC 3095
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