Rugby Australia congratulates members of the Australian Rugby community for their recognition on the King’s Birthday 2026 Honours List.
Today’s honourees include:
Wayne Erickson GAICD, a decorated international referee who stood in two Rugby World Cups, was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division (AM) for significant service to education, rugby union and the community. Erickson has held senior positions with World Rugby, Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Referees Association and the Sydney University Football Club and is a Life Member of Petersham Rugby Club and the Rugby Club of Sydney.
Gregory Harris, a former CEO of the NSW Waratahs, Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) and RugbyWA, received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to sports administration. Harris also served as a member of Rugby Australia’s Strategy Group and on the Board of the International Rugby Union Players’ Association.
Kevin Maloney, a Life Member of Rugby Victoria, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to rugby union and the community. Maloney has served as a referee, coach, president and committee member with the Victorian Rugby Referees Association and founded the Australian Service Rugby Referees Association.
Brian Lulham, a Life Member of the ACT and Southern NSW Rugby Union, received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for service to sport and to the law. Lulham has refereed more than 100 first grade games and was a recipient of the Dick Webb Memorial Trophy by the NSW Rugby Referees Association.
Among the other members of the Australian Rugby community honoured today are Australian Rugby Foundation Board Member Edwina McCann (OAM), former Director of the Lloyd McDermott Rugby Development Foundation Steven Adams (AM), NSW Rugby Union Non-Executive Director Warwick Negus (OAM), former RugbyWA Vice-Patron and inaugural Diamond Member of the Western Force the hon. Robert Kucera (OAM), Terrey Hills Rugby Club Life Member Robert Webster (OAM) and former NSW Rugby Referees Association match official Neil McWhannell GAICD JP (OAM).
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said:
“From volunteers to match officials, life members to coaches, it is wonderful to see the best of Australian Rugby represented in today’s King’s Birthday Honours List.
“We are blessed to have so many dedicated and passionate people at all levels of Australian Rugby sharing a bond built on service, friendship and a deep and abiding love for our great game. Whether serving at the local canteen or performing on the global stage, our vast rugby community is truly special and one we deeply appreciate.
“On behalf of everyone at Rugby Australia, I congratulate today’s honourees and extend to them our heartfelt gratitude for all they do to unite and inspire Australians every day through rugby.”
