The Queensland Rugby Community is mourning the passing of a legend of Far North Queensland Rugby and Nudgee Old Boy, Edward ‘Paul’ Williams, who passed away earlier this year, aged 67. As a young Townsville clerk and solicitor, Paul played for Brothers.
He represented the Club in Reserve Grade through most of his playing career and was a part of their first premiership winning side in 1972. The following season saw Paul serve as Secretary of the Club Committee and begin refereeing.
In 1985 Paul returned to Cairns to open his own law practice and helped to form Brothers Rugby Club Cairns where he would serve as Vice President along with Leigh Martin, as well as being a member of their first Reserve Grade team.
His early legacy was celebrated with the introduction of the “Paul Williams Club Best and Fairest Player”, which remains in circulation today.
Paul’s engagement as a Cairns District Rugby Union referee grew and, in 1995, he became the Union’s President. Paul’s “highly calibrated moral compass” steered the Union stubbornly through what was a revolutionary time for clubs across the Rugby playing world.
The new Millennium saw Paul fill various positions at Brothers including two years as President, two as Vice President and as First Grade Coach.
His long, unfaltering service to the Brothers earned him Life Membership at the Club’s 25th anniversary, in 2010. Despite his declining health, Paul accepted a role on the Club committee and attended meetings up until his battle with cancer was lost in March.
Far North Queensland Rugby, from Innisfail in the South to Port Douglas in the North, renamed their pre-season trophy for Paul Williams, who’s capability, dedication and vision earned him a great many friends and an undying legacy.
Paul is survived by wife Lesley, daughter Paula and Zoe and sons, also Nudgee Old Boys and Brothers Rugby alumni, Patrick and Charles.
