Boyd Curran is “unbelievably proud and humbled” by the honour as the newest Queensland Country Rugby Union Life Member.
The straight-shooting Curran is also grateful to be around to receive the gong after dealing with a shock medical diagnosis last December.
“I had a stent put in my heart. Basically, I took advice to visit the doc and they found an 80 per cent blockage. I’m very lucky,” Curran said.
“I’m good as gold now but better to be a Life Member than a dead member.”
For Curran, 58, the Life Membership at the QCRU Annual General Meeting last Saturday recognises more than three decades of dedicated service to rugby in regional Queensland.
He has been a player, leader and administrator in shaping the game in regional Queensland as a former Queensland Country Captain, Chairman and retiring Queensland Rugby Union Board Member.
Playing against Wales (1991) and Scotland (1992) for the Queensland Country Heelers were highlights as a bruising lock.
“I’m unbelievably proud and humbled-and very fortunate-with this honour,” Curran said.
“It’s a reminder of what rugby gives you as a person in terms of building strength, character, discipline and working as part of a team.
“It’s the mentors and friends along the way. It’s everything you feel is great about the game.
“When I was a player, I now see how selfish I was in not fully appreciating the work done behind the scenes to make things happen.
“The gratitude to guys like (former country rugby stalwarts) Andy Purcell, John Muir, Con Primmer and Tom Nutley has to be immense.”
Curran was raised on a property outside tiny Capella in the Central Highlands which is still home to the Capella Cattledogs.
He cracked the top grade in Brisbane at the GPS club in 1986 as a brawny 19-year-old when Wallaby David Codey was club captain.
“As a kid, I’d watch the Brisbane footy on TV and dream that I’d one day play down in Brisbane,” Curran recalled.
“We can never lose that pathway and dreams for country kids to play in Brisbane and in higher teams.
“Three years ago, the Heelers won only one game in the Australian Rugby Shield. Last season, the Heelers won it and our women’s team came second.
“That’s truly remarkable and shows the value of better support, better planning, better process and the players and coaches really buying in. There’s a responsibility to keep up those standards.”
Curran served as QCRU President (2010-2013) before joining the QRU Board in 2018. He has played a key role in strengthening country rugby pathways.
The AGM also marked the farewell of High-Performance Manager Murray Harley (Brothers Townsville), who has expanded the QCRU high-performance program from two to six programs over the past three years. His contributions have been instrumental in developing young talent across regional Queensland.
In addition to key recognitions, the 2025 QCRU Board was elected, with Bruce Wright joining as a new board member.
Wright will focus on supporting Sub-Unions, clubs and Country Rugby while also helping navigate funding opportunities through QCRU and the Australian Sports Foundation (ASF).
Country would like to thank the help and support of the QRU Chairman Mr Brett Clark, Chief Executive David Hanham and General Manager Community Rugby Gaven for their help and support over the past 12 months .
2025 QCRU Board Members:
- President: Rod Hohn (Toowoomba Rangers)
- Vice President: James Nasser (Dawson Valley Drovers)
- Treasurer: Craig Coetzee (Toowoomba Bears)
- Board Members: Kellie Adams (Slade Point Mackay), Bruce Wright (Gold Coast Rugby), Rick Lingard (Toowoomba Anglican School)
Looking Ahead, 2025 is set to be a landmark year for Queensland Country Rugby with the Country Championships returning to Townsville and junior teams competing at both national and state-recognised tournaments.
The Under-20s will look to take on NSW Country Rugby Union, while the Heelers look to defend their ARS title, and the Orchids aim to go one step further.
With strong leadership in place, Queensland Country Rugby is poised for continued growth and success across the state in 2025.
