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 43 times 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.
Former Wallabies hooker Bill Ross, a member of Uni's 1979 premiership side under Brown as coach, paid tribute.
"Another character leaves, a one of a kind," Ross said.
"Uni player, Wallaby, premiership coach (which took 200 minutes in 1979), Uni President and with Eric Anning created and drove the UQ Foundation which may be his and the club's greatest achievement.
"A sad loss but his memory will live on."
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 memorable victors.
Former Wallabies prop Andy McIntyre recalled Brown's methods as thorough, at least for the forwards.
"Late in a training session, 'Browny' would say to us, 'you guys should go over and introduce yourself to the backs'," McIntyre said.
"He was strong on the basics, getting over the ad line and fitness. He made us pack a lot of live scrums. That's how you improved and rehearsed the backrow moves you see far fewer of today.
"Browny was definitely a character and a true legend at Uni. As coach, I remember him going through all the players in the team at a Thursday training session before one grand final against Brothers.
"He got to (prop) Brian Macnish and his challenge, 'Nishy, you are marking the toughest, hardest opponent on the weekend. He'll punch you, kick you and gouge you, he'll take you up and he'll take you down in the scrum. Nishy, make sure you turn up to the game'."
Brown was instrumental in establishing the University of Queensland Rugby Union Foundation Trust, a charitable trust established in 1994 to provide money to The University of Queensland to further the sport of rugby union.
For more than 20 years 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.
