'A Nation That Forgets It's Past Has No Future' - Winston Churchill
DAVID CAMPESE (AM)
Brand Ambassador | Keynote Speaker | Rugby Commentator | Rugby Consultant | Podcast Host
It's fascinating how quotes from the past can still remain relevant in today's society. When a friend of mine called me to tell me that Concord Oval, the venue of the first ever Rugby World Cup in 1987, was being demolished, the memories of my career came flooding back to me.
What struck me most was the realization of what an important role this venue represented in my career and for many players and supporters who played and watched the emergence of some of Australia's greatest rugby players at Club, State and International Rugby.
In '87 the venue hosted the first Rugby World Cup in conjunction with New Zealand. Six International Matches were played here. Teams included Australia, England, Japan, Ireland, France and the USA. The Wallabies played France in the Semi Final and we lost 30-24. I broke the 24 yr old World Try Scoring record in Test Matches (held by Scotsman Ian Smith) by scoring my 25th try.
In '88 we beat New Zealand in one of the first International 7's Competitions.
In the Glory days of Randwick Club Rugby, we played numerous Club Grand finals maintaining a winning streak for 6 consecutive years between 1987-1992. All Finals were played here at Concord Oval.
1n 1993 NSW Waratahs played The Springboks here. A historical moment as this was their first tour back into International Rugby since Apartheid.
In the early days of Super 6 and Super 10 Rugby we played many nail biting games against the formidable New Zealand Teams.
In light of the priceless memories that this venue held for me personally and to those who came before and after me,I felt it was important to take the time to drive there and take in those memories for the last time.
As I walked into the main stand in the hallway leading to the dressing rooms, I discovered a large team photo that stretched across about 4 metres of one of the walls, ripped and lying carelessly torn on the floor. This was the 1927-28 NSW Waratahs Team.
There was also another torn and discarded iconic photo of Australian fullback (In those days they were called Australia and Fullback wore a No 1 Jersey) Jim Lenehan from the 60's, scoring a try against the Springboks.
I approached one of the workers and asked where all the memorabilia and artifacts of the venue were. He said they had approached Canada Bay Council to ask what they should do with it, and they said it should all be thrown away.
Almost 100 years of history gone. What has happened to us?
Independent Robotics Research Consultant
7 个月Hi DAVID CAMPESE (AM). We have the same problem in the tech industry in Australia. There is no history. I have just written an article on this issue. https://www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/golden-path-future-weaved-from-threads-past-elliot-duff-iqbac/
Engineer Certified safety Hoardings for Construction, Retail and special events!
4 年just throw it away???? Just re-iterates the point that everything we held and hold dear from our history is being ripped up and thrown away by those with no taste for it. I watched the 87 WC and the Concord Oval / Ballymore games from the UK with no idea that one day i would take Easts Colts there to play or would watch Brad train the Reds at these iconic grounds. I appreciate that "time waits for no man" and that "change is inevitable" but to just doze it with so many memories inside is totally disrespectful.
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4 年Coming from Queensland I never got out to Concord Oval, however, I do remember the matches there, especially that classic semi-final against the French in the 1987 World Cup.
Business Development Manager
4 年Very sad to read . I played a couple of times for Randwick grade teams in Concord . Great memories including trying to find the place .
Market Leader - International Development
4 年Thanks for pointing this out Campo. I have many happy memories of Concord Oval. Seeing the likes of yourself, Eddie Jones, Steve Lidbury and Poido doing your stuff. That photo of Jim Lenehan scoring that try is magical. The look on the ballboys face as he flys over (hair perfectly groomed) for the try. A sad day that this history is lost.