Written by Jenny Crichton

Our father, Dudley Taylor, was coaching the Ag. College Rugby team back in 1949 and it was a natural progression when he met Bob Conolly at the College in the 1950s, to become great friends. Bob was a frequent visitor to our home and he often pondered about where he would play rugby once he completed his studies. It was through these conversations that the notion of having an alternative Club was hatched. After many conversations with like-minded rugby players, Dad’s and Bob’s shared vision became a reality – The Wagga Wagga Waratahs. They both tested rugby in their DNA!

Dad had a passion for people, fair play and integrity, with an infectious sense of humour and from the formation of the club in 1958/9 he dedicated years and years of his time to the sport.

From the sideline we were very much rugby fans attending many matches over the ensuing years at the Cricket Ground and in Sydney at test matches. Every Saturday you would find Dad in the orchard picking beautiful oranges he grew at home at Murrawolga, for the boys at half time. Many a Saturday night was spent at The Australia Hotel on the hill after matches where the boys were celebrating their win and we were waiting for Dad with “just one more for the road”.

Over his life-time, Dad’s passion for sport, whether rugby, cricket, tennis or horse sports, was absolute. Having four daughters and no brothers, Bob Conolly pointed out we actually had a whole football team of them – 15 brothers.

Dad was unwavering in his support of Waratahs and went on to serve as President for 10 years. In closing I quote one of Dad’s favourite axioms where at Horatio’s last stand on the River Tiber: “Better faith hath no man when facing fearful odds in the ashes on his fathers and the Temple of his Gods.” 

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

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Edward Dudley Taylor 1908 – 2003 

Dudley Taylor’s passion for rugby began when he was a student at Scots College, Bellevue Hill, where he excelled at sport and played in the 1st XV for three years.

Dudley was actively involved in many community programs throughout his life including Wagga Amateur Picnic Race Club, Wagga Show Society and Wagga Pony Club. Together with Dr John Story and Dick Doman (Principal of Wagga Agricultural College), Dudley initiated the introduction of rugby union in the Wagga district.

He was elected President of the Wagga Agricultural College Rugby Union club. In addition he was President of Wagga District and a selector for Wagga District Selector and NSW Country Rugby.

In 1959 Dudley supported the formation of the Wagga Waratahs Rugby Club and was elected the first President in which capacity he remained for ten years. He guided the club through its initial stages and his principles of sportsmanship and the spirit of rugby are evident in the club’s culture to this day.

Dudley had a wonderful understanding of the game of rugby and how it should be played. He had an eye for recognising the ability and potential of a player which wasn’t obvious to others. He was a wonderful mentor to many players at the local and regional levels. He also had a fair and unbiased approach to the selection process, ensuring the selection of the best players at all times.

Dudley’s wife, Win, daughters Toni, Robyn, Jenny and Diana were all active supporters of the club and rugby over the years.   

Fast forward to 2008 Annual Presentation Night:

The Dud Taylor Memorial Trophy Junior Scholarship was donated by the Wagga Waratahs Old Boys. It was first awarded in 2003 to Michael Ahearne.

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