John Hipwell - RIP

[ACT Crusader]

He was one of the links in the chain of great half-backs we have had since World War II—Cyril Burke, Ken Catchpole, John Hipwell, Nick Farr-Jones, George Gregan, Will Genia—it was almost like watching the passing of the baton from one to the next.

When I think of Hipwell and the others bolded, I can't help but think of the great combinations that OZ had at 9/10 - GG and Bernie, NFJ and Noddy, and Hipwell and McLean.

Whilst Catchpole was probably the better player, all the stories I've heard about Hipwell endear him because he was like a boxer that never went down, always scrapping and never giving up to get in or back into the Wallaby side.

I recall being at a lunch some years ago and the guest speaker mentioned Hipwell and the 78 NZ tour. Here was the former Wallaby captain who hadn't played a Wallaby test for 3 years but in the match right before the 1st test, Hipwell plays one of his best games again scrapping away against a quality Counties side that included former and emerging ABs, to get back into the Wallaby test side a few days later and almost pull off an unexpected (by the media and most 'experts' opinion) Wallaby test win.

 

[Mr Doug]

My good mate "Richo" (Geoff Richardson), who played outside John (at fly half) for Australia, will be devastated.

Richo, (a dual-international) said this morning:

"I rate him as the best player I ever played with, and a good bloke".

 

[George Hipwall]

John Noel Brian Hipwell (January 24th 1948 – September 22nd 2013)

I am writing to you all on behalf of the Hipwell family – Colleen, Sarah-Jane and Jessica. To assist with disseminating information regarding his sudden passing the family wish to advise the following on the funeral and memorial service.

As per John’s wishes the immediate family will be holding a private ceremony for him.

Currently, plans are being made to hold a memorial service for John. The time and place for this will be made public in the very near future and we will send this out to you all.

The family wishes to express their appreciation for all the kind words and thoughts that have flowed from his many friends and the greater rugby community.

 

[George Hipwall]

John Noel Brian Hipwell (January 24th 1948 - September 22nd 2013).

There will be a memorial service held for John Hipwell on October 25th from 2pm at St Andrews College Sydney University.

More details will be released in the coming week.

 

[George Hipwall]

For those in the area. There will be a memorial service for Hippy in Newcastle this Friday, 18th October kindly organised by the Waratahs Old Boys.

It will be at Newcastle's Christ Church Cathedral. The memorial starts at 2pm, with refreshments at the Blue Room at No.2 Sportsground afterwards.