Canberra Royals is sad to announce the passing of one of its’ former players Doug Blake;
VALE: DOUG BLAKE, AM VRD
Doug played as a hooker with Royals teams from 1950 to 1952, gaining ACT representative selection in 1950. He had been introduced to Rugby Union during training for Navy service in Melbourne and, after seeing active WW2 service on the Corvette class ship HMAS Cowra,
He played the 1948 season with the Melbourne Rugby Club. It is as a referee that Doug is better remembered, with a career spanning 17 years from 1952 to 1968.
As a senior ACTRRA referee he handled 9 First Grade Grand Finals and games involving ACT and regional representative teams against All Blacks, Springboks,
British Lions and other touring teams. During that time and afterwards he constantly performed administrative roles, including 3 terms as ACTRRA President.
Doug had a distinguished work career in the Department of the House of Representatives, rising to the position of Clerk of the House before his retirement in 1985. Alongside his major commitments, Doug enjoyed lawn bowls and fly fishing and contributed time to community activities with the St Vincent de Paul Society.
Doug died on 20 December 2022, aged 97 years. He is survived by his
spouse of 73 years, Patricia, and six of their 7 children – sadly, their only son and brother Steve died
in 2000.
RIP Doug
