Vale Eric Andrews: 1943 - 2016

The Queensland Rugby community is in mourning following the passing of Queensland representative rugby player Eric Andrews aged 73, who was also a decorated soldier and orienteering expert.

Mr. Andrews’ represented Queensland as Hooker during the 1970 and 1972 seasons, earning six caps.

In preparation for his first tour of Vietnam with 6 RAR in 1966, Eric attended Officer Cadet School, Portsea, where he was made Company Major Sergeant and awarded the Sword of Honour, while also excelling at football.

A strong and determined competitor, Eric’s rugby experience grew while representing North Queensland Army, Queensland Army, Queensland Services and Australian Services Rugby Union. The game formed a highlight of his service career, which included facing the 1968 All Blacks in Sydney.

1970 saw Eric training at Ballymore before embarking on the New Zealand Tour as a reserve. Debuting against Nelson Bays on 13/6/1970, Andrews lined up alongside Queensland and Australian legends Jules Guerassimoff, Jeff McLean and Stan Pilecki. The game was won and Andrews continued to apply his brawny style against West Coast and Wairapa.

A second tour of Vietnam, this time with 3 RAR, caused Eric to miss the 1971 Rugby season. Slotting straight back into the State side in 1972, Eric faced Victoria and Sydney on the Southern Tour, before returning to Ballymore to meet the Australian Combined Services side in August to conclude his six-cap representative career.

Eric’s military career extended until he retired as a Major in 1983 after twenty-five years of service.

In retirement, Eric became involved with Orienteering, where he served as a competitor, administrator, selector, technical director, event organiser and mapper. Few have made a more significant contribution to the sport in Australia.

His efforts have been recognised through the awarding of Life membership of the Queensland Orienteering Association in 2001 and Orienteering Australia’s Silva Award for services to orienteering in 1992, among many other plaudits.

He is survived by his wife Liz Bourne and children Kelli, Steven and Christine.

A memorial service will be held at St Paul’s Anglican Church Parish Hall, Corundum St, Stanthorpe on Sunday 10th July from 2.00pm and friends are invited to attend.