FORMER Wallaby Ron Graham has been caught with a foot in both camps as the Melbourne Rebels and NSW Waratahs prepare for their Super Rugby pre-season clash at the Albury Sportsground on Saturday.
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Graham, who played 18 Tests for the Wallabies, captained NSW and was later chairman of the board and president of the NSW Rugby Union.
He resigned the presidency of the Australian Rugby Union in April 2013, after having also served as its chairman.
However he might be tested with divided loyalties on Saturday after his recent appointment as a director of the Weary Dunlop Foundation.
“The foundation is based in Victoria so I will be watching this clash with perhaps more interest than I might have previously,” he said.
“The foundation raises funds to allow underprivileged people the chance to finish their tertiary education.
“They don’t have to be involved in rugby union, rugby is just the vehicle which helps raise funds.”
Click on the video below to see Melbourne Rebels' young gun Angus Roberts and former Wallaby and Rebels assistant coach, Matt Cockbain talk about bringing the game to Albury. (iPhone users go to Video tab in Menu.)
Graham is well-known to Border rugby supporters, having been involved with the Steamers rugby club from 1983 to 1986 and serving as a vice-president while living and working on the Border.
He said he was not surprised rugby union in the area had progressed to the stage where it could host a Super Rugby trial.
“Delighted would be the more correct description,” Graham said.
“It shows how our game is continuing to thrive in regional areas.
“Ours is a game for males and females of all sizes and physiques and is considered an elite sport at the international level.
“This match will allow people who are not necessarily rugby followers to see an example of that and see Australian representatives up close.”
