Max Howell playing for Randwick in the 1940’s.

by Lauren DeGioia –

He could be considered the royal custodian of Australian Rugby history. He played five Tests in Wallaby Gold in the 1940s. But his comprehension and passion for the game they play in heaven originated in Randwick amongst the humble backdrop of the Depression, as a player with no boots.

Former Wallaby centre Max Howell, who recently lost his battle to cancer aged 86, will be farewelled back at his old stomping ground, with a fitting send-off organised by his former club, Randwick, on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th, April.  

A function and special announcement will take place ahead of the Randwick versus Norths first grade Shute Shield match at Coogee Oval on Saturday April 5. On the Sunday morning, Max Howell’s wishes will be fulfilled with the scattering of his ashes into the waves at Coogee Beach.

Classic Wallaby and Randwick Rugby Club representative, Gary Pearse said the send-off is fitting because of Max’s love for the club.

“His heart was always with the club and the way he played the game and lived his life was a true reflection of the club’s culture – positive with great camaraderie,” Pearse said.

“Our friendship with Max and his wife was strong and we felt we needed to give him a good send off.

“Max had a great sense of humour, he was really friendly, and was always upbeat. He was just a good rugby bloke.

 “He moved forward to become one of the most prolific rugby writers in Australia, which he completely supported himself through, and has left an incredible legacy,” Pearse said.

L to R: NM Shehadie (Nick) Prop, CJ Windon (Colin) Flanker, ML Howell (Max) Inside Centre, AJ Buchan (Arthur) No 8, JF Cremin (Mick) Five Eighth, BJC Piper (Brian) Full Back, RM Cawsey (Roy) Half Back , J Noseda (Jeff) Assistant Manager (Randwick Insurance Officer).

He wrote over 60 books and had over 300 articles published throughout his life. Max was responsible for the biographies of every Rugby Union player who represented Australia until recent years.

Max’s commendable work is an invaluable testament to the history and legends that form the foundations of rugby in Australia.

Max lived and breathed the rugby and beach culture of Coogee and Randwick, sharing many stories about growing up there within his biography, Laughing all the Way to Oblivion, published last year.

Max tells of how his earliest memories began at Randwick where he first played rugby at Randwick Primary School and Bardon Park near Coogee Beach. It was here where he said he “learned to tackle, to palm an opponent off with both hands, to side step off both feet, to swerve and to use a change of pace.”

One of his most profound recollections was trialling for the State schoolboy side at Centennial Park. He made the cut despite playing with no rugby boots, a luxury the Howell family could not afford.

Max went on to play for Randwick where he took to the field six times for third grade before he was included in the first grade side.

It was Classic Wallaby and Randwick legend, Francis “Wally” Meagher who said he saw something in Max he liked.

He was right. Max represented Australia in five Tests and received 27 non-Test caps between 1946 and 1948 after making his debut for the Wallabies at the age of nineteen against New Zealand. Rugby took him as far as the United Kingdom and Ireland where he featured in matches against Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

After his playing days, he became a highly qualified and respected Physical Education teacher and Professor. His teaching and academic studies took him to the University of Berkeley in California, USA and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, where he accepted a Professorship and continued playing rugby until he was 34 years of age. Whilst there, he also coached the Canadian Rugby side during their 1959 tour of Wales.

In 1981 he was invited back to Australia as Foundation Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies at The University of Queensland. He retired from the role in 1992 and was made an Emeritus Professor in 1993. He had three doctorate degrees: Doctor of Motor Learning, Doctor of Sport History and Doctor of Laws.

In 2003, he was awarded an Order of Australia for service to Education as a pioneer in the development of sports studies and sport science in Australia and overseas, and to the study of sports history.

Max Howell was named a statesman of Australian Rugby in 2012.

From modest beginnings, Max left a prosperous legacy, with priceless stories and details from Australian Rugby’s history forever captured because of his work.

Details for Max Howell’s send-off are below:

Saturday 5th April

1.30pm – Function at Legions Club Coogee, 200 Arden Street Coogee

3.00pm – Announcement before Randwick v Norths first grade Shute Shield match at  Coogee Oval

Sunday 6th April

9.00am – Max’s ashes cast into the waves at Coogee Beach

9.30 – Tea and Coffee at Coogee Surf Club