Jason Falinski (Mackellar, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My electorate is home to the greatest of Rugby family, junior and senior suburban clubs and premiership Rugby Union clubs, the Warringah Rats. Over the Queen's Birthday long weekend on 10 June, our Rugby community tragically lost a true son, 24-year-old Lachlan Ward. During a fifth-grade match, Lachlan passed away on the field at Pittwater Rugby Park. I cannot imagine the pain of Lachlan's family and friends. My condolences go to Lachlan's family: parents Murray and Jill, and siblings Sam, Beth and Anna.

Lachlan will be remembered as a larrikin; the first to laugh; the first to be upset when others were not. Lachlan will also be remembered as a hero. Two months back, Lachlan went to the aid of a woman who had been in a head-on car crash.

Lachlan's passing has not only impacted our local Rugby community but the Rugby family across the country. The support provided by the Warringah Rats to the Ward family and their players over the past week has been nothing short of phenomenal. The ARU is coordinating a welfare effort which is being made available to 300 players, and no stone is being left unturned to make sure our Rugby family is taken care of. I have never been prouder to belong to our Rugby family, and I know many feel the same. Rugby Union is the sport they play in heaven, and I am sure Lachlan himself will not be able to resist.

To Murray, Jill, Sam, Beth and Anna: Lachlan shone very brightly but for too short a time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.