Rugby Australia congratulates John "Knuckles" Connolly, Maryjane Crabtree, Ben Gregory OAM, Pat Nunan and Taulapapa Roy SLADE for their outstanding contributions to Australian Rugby that were recognised today as part of the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.
Connolly, the former Wallabies and Queensland Rugby Union (Queensland Reds) Head Coach, was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to rugby union as mentor and coach.
Crabtree, a Director with Rugby Victoria, was named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the legal profession, to community health, and to sport.
Gregory, General Manager with NSW Junior Rugby Union and a great servant of community rugby in NSW, received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to rugby union.
Nunan, who has served the Darling Downs and Toowoomba rugby communities with distinction, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the community through a range of organisations.
Slade, a leading figure in Samoan and Queensland rugby, received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to the Samoan community of Queensland.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said:
"Australian Rugby's greatest strength is its dedicated and passionate community and it's wonderful to see so many elements of it recognised in today's Australia Day Honours List.
"From the international stage to the community game, from the big cities of Australia to the islands of the Pacific, rugby is unique in its ability to unite and inspire communities around the country and across the globe.
"On behalf of everyone at Rugby Australia, I offer my sincere congratulations to today's honourees and thank them for the extraordinary work they undertake to make our game a truly great one."
