The first 'Wally' comes home
November 19, 2008 - 2:07pm
Story by: ARU
Former Wallaby centre Saxon White has donated the team mascot from the 1953 tour to South Africa to Australian Rugby Union’s Archives and Museum Collection.
Making the handover on behalf of a 30-man squad which carved its niche in history by winning the second Test in Cape Town – the Springboks’ first loss in 15 years – Professor White recalled the high levels of sportsmanship that transcended a fiercely-contested four-Test series.
It was best evidenced at the conclusion of the Test won 18-14 by the Wallabies at Newlands.
Despite their disappointment, two South African players chaired Australian captain John Solomon from the field on their shoulders.
The Springboks eventually won the series 3-1.
Saxon White was the youngest Wallaby on tour at age 19 and, as tradition still demands, the “baby” of the tour has the duty of caring for the team mascot “Wally”.
On the current tour Wally’s grandson is under the care of 18-year-old James O’Connor.
At a 1953 team reunion a few weeks ago in Sydney, it was agreed “Wally” should be presented to ARU for safe keeping.
‘Wally’ has become fragile with time and emergency bandaging and new shorts and jacket were made by Mrs White to ensure the mascot was able to be part of the reunion festivities.
The mascot, with a joey in its pouch, will now be housed in the Archives at ARU’s Christie Street headquarters.
“Wally” is currently on display for a short while in a display case of significant items from tours to South Africa by the Wallabies.
