Former Wallabies and Queensland prop Bruce Brown, the University of Queensland club legend, has passed away at the age of 81.
Bruce Robert Brown was a towering presence at UQ across more than 50 years, played resolutely for Queensland and was honoured with two Test caps against the All Blacks in 1972.
His death today will draw tributes from a vast network of friends across rugby, business and school life at Brisbane Boys' College.
His long service in the front-row as Queensland player No.793 began in 1965 when he made his debut against Nadi on a five-game tour of Fiji under coach Bob Templeton.
He'd already started to make his mark as a teenaged prop in 1964 when winning the first of his five premierships with University (1964, 1965, 1967, 1969 and 1970).
He figured in two of Queensland's most significant international victories - over Scotland in 1970 and against the British and Irish Lions in 1971.
Under his distinctive heavy eyebrows, Brown forged a strong reputation and was recognised with selection on the 1971 Wallabies tour of France.
His Test debut came a year later in New Zealand when he packed down against the All Blacks in Wellington.
His service to the University of Queensland Rugby Club continued long after his playing days.
He was first grade coach between 1978-80, most notably for the 1979 premiership.
After the grand final was tied after extra time against Brothers, a replay was called for the following week. The scores were again locked at full-time in this match and it needed to again go to extra time to eventually crown UQ as victors.
For more than 20 decades he served as President of the club from 1994-2015. He was always a forthright voice at countless Presidents' meetings as he fought for causes in clubland.
A funeral will be held at 2pm at Albany Creek Crematorium on Friday, October 24.
No flowers but contributions to the UQ Rugby Club Foundation would be appreciated.
Further details to follow.
