The Committee of Collaroy Rugby Club is very pleased to announce the appointment of Rod Macqueen as Club Patron. In the history of our club, this position has never been held or formalized in any way. In our view, the time had come to make this important appointment as part of the club’s history and future. Rod has graciously accepted the honour.

Rod played as a local junior from the age of 9 with the original Collaroy Plateau Youth Club, from which the Cougars emerged when the ‘breakaway’ occurred circa 1970.

From the age of 18 Rod played 1st grade with the Warringah Rats and later coached the club. Rod always maintained an association with, and interest in, the Cougar’s development and welfare, from the close vantage point of his home in Beach Road!

Rod personally developed a coaching and playing style blueprint for the Cougars to own and implement, promoting the success and enjoyment of rugby for all within the club. Rod pioneered the vision, strategy and alignment of stakeholders to ensure the Griffith Park Multi User Sports Amenities Building became a reality. We are very fortunate and have benefited immensely from his interest in and contribution towards our club’s welfare.

More broadly Rod is an extremely successful and high profile Rugby identity both locally, nationally and internationally. During his time as Wallaby Coach the team held every available Championship trophy including the Bledisloe Cup, Tri-Nations Cup, World Cup & Tom Richards Cup. In 2003 Rod was made a member of the order of Australia (AM) for his work in rugby. He also received the honour of being International Coach of the Year (2001) and was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame (2011)

Rod’s appointment as Club Patron recognises his outstanding and invaluable contribution towards Collaroy Rugby over many years and also strengthens our credentials for the future best interests and endeavours of our club. Collaroy Rugby Club is very proud to confirm Rod Macqueen as our Club Patron, given his record of success in Rugby, his experience and expertise, and most importantly his long term association with the Cougars and genuine interest in our success as a community based junior rugby club.

This appointment marks a significant point in the club’s history.