Wallabies Legend the ‘Scrum Doctor’

Robert Alexander Evans was born at Welwyn Hospital in Woodford in 1939. He attended Woodford State School until 12 years of age. The family moved to Scarborough where he played Rugby League as a centre.

He attended Brisbane Grammar School for his education, where he converted to Rugby Union. From the age of 15 he played in the First XV as a forward, breakaway, centre and lock.

He played in the Queensland side his first year out of school and became Captain after 3 years. These were “amateur” days, so he held down a job as well as competing as a cyclist and in rowing. He went on to play 63 games for Queensland and by this time became Director of Physical Education at Brisbane Grammar School.

In 1985 he took Wests Rugby League Club to Premierships. He became a specialist forwards coach and toured with the Australian Wallabies side that won the Grand Slam in 1984 and the World Cup in 1999 and the Reds 2011 Super Rugby Titles.

Alex is the only non-Welsh born person to be Head Coach of the Welsh Rugby Team.

Since returning to Australia he has coached both interstate and Queensland teams. These day he is still keen to help up and coming players reach their full potential. His twin grandsons born in 2013 are the latest talents to gain his attention.

Alex was awarded an AM in the General Division for his services to Rugby Union in 2010.