I started playing with the Club in 1960 and shared in all the success the Club enjoyed in those early years.

To be involved with the Waratahs has been a big part of my life and I have made many lasting friendships from not only within the Club but also from other Rugby Clubs, friendships I value.

I was fortunate enough to have been given the chance to coach, starting with 2nd XV in 1989 and then 1st XV for five years. It was a real golden period for the Club, and I was privileged to have had many gifted players to work with at a time when there was a lot of depth in all grades. At times it was a roller-coaster ride, with a few dips in it but the highs were amazing. I only missed two training sessions in six years but I was surrounded by players who put in the hard yards as well.

Anna Roberts, our first female strapper, deserves special mention. She was a great support to me and fixed the running repairs’ on the players with expertise.

I would like to thank everyone who supported me through this period, especially my wife, Margaret, and family.

One of the high points was having my two sons in the Club side at different times, also second-generation Waratahs, including sons of some of my old teammates.

It has been a lifetime of involvement for me. I have loved every minute of it and will continue to do so.

Source: A History of the Wagga Wagga Waratahs’ Rugby Club 1959 – 2015 (2018)

ALEXANDER LUXTON “Soapy” WALKER 1939 -2017

Luxton was a highly respected, inspirational and much-loved member, and Life Member, of the Wagga Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club for over six decades. His passing was felt deeply by many within the Club, and within the broader rugby community. To many he was just “Soapy” – a special friend to the players he coached and mentor to many in the Club. Soapy was well known for his sense of humour and his no-nonsense approach to playing rugby. He is remembered as one of the Club’s most inspirational coaches. Soapy would often share snippets on his philosophy on rugby and life, particularly during his half-time ‘inspirational’ pep talk to the team. To Soapy it was all about the fundamentals, not the fancy moves. Doing the basic things right.

It was clear to all that knew Luxton that he loved his family, wife Margaret, daughter Sarah and Jim, Dougall and Mardi and David and Alex, farming and his rugby, and was proud to have Dougall and Davey as second-generation Waratahs. 

Luxton joined Waratahs in 1960 and played for several years – the glory years – during which he played 87 games for Waratahs. He was also a member of the committee in various capacities for several years from 1962 -1969. Luxton commenced coaching in 1989 with the premiership winning 2nd XV. He then went on to coach the 1st XV from 1990-1994, with the team attaining two premierships, a minor premiership, grand finalists and runners-up status. Luxton also coached the 2nd XV in 1999 and the 1st XV in 2000. Luxton would continue to be a mentor to many coaches and players for the years that followed. 

A Soapy favourite:

“You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.”

Presentation of the inaugural The Luxton “Soapy” Walker Memorial Shield for Tenacious and Uncompromising Play at the Presentation of Awards Lunch 2017

The Walker family donated a shield in memory of Luxton. Pictured is Margaret and David Walker making the presentation to Tim Corcoran, the recipient of The Luxton “Soapy” Walker Memorial Shield for Tenacious and Uncompromising Play for 2017. Aside from his tenacious and uncompromising style of play, Tim was the Club Captain and the 2017 1st XV Captain.

Source: A History of The Wagga Wagga Waratahs’ Rugby Club 1959- 2015 (2018)
Wagga Wagga Waratahs Club Records