Newfoundland rugby icon Noel Browne will be presented with Rugby Canada’s Chair Award during a dinner today at the Swilers Rugby Football Club in St. John’s.
The Rugby Canada Chair Award is awarded at the discretion of the chairman and board of directors of Rugby Canada. It is given to individuals or organizations who have made exceptional contributions to the sport in Canada.
Browne, a Newfoundland and Labrador Sports Hall of Famer, was a founding member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Rugby Union, and of the Swilers Rugby Club, serving as Swilers’ president for over 20 years.
He also helped spearhead the creation of playing and training facilities at the Swilers’ field.
In addition, Browne was also an accomplished player and coach, having been capped for Canada at the senior level and played for Connaught in Ireland.
Captain of the Newfoundland team that won a national senior medal in 1974, Browne won numerous provincial championships with the Swilers and in 1987, was the coach of the junior provincial representatives which captured national a silver medal.
In 2016, Dr. Browne was invested into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador for his work in medicine and sport.
“It is a thrill for me to present this award to Noel,” said Tim Powers, chair of Rugby Canada’s board of directors, and a St. John’s native. “It’s hard to think of a more deserving recipient.
“Without Noel, rugby may not have taken root in Newfoundland and Labrador. His influence on the game and the people the sport has developed extends across Canada and around the world.”
Pat Parfrey, a World Rugby Council member, life member of Rugby Canada, and long-time friend and colleague of Browne, said, “Noel Browne was the creator of Newfoundland rugby, the founder of the Swilers RFC, the inspiration for nationally-competitive provincial teams, and a leader in the development of the Swilers Rugby Complex and NL Sports Centre.
“His life’s work revolved around his family practice as a doctor, and rugby as his extra-curricular activity. In both areas, he has made a massive contribution to his community.”