Former NSW and Newcastle rugby player, and great clubman for The Waratahs, Dave Bowtell has died at the age of 91.

And, the tributes have started flowing in for the popular sports star, who was well-known in local union circles.

“His passing last night will be a shock to all those associated with The Waratahs Rugby Union Club as he was much-loved by players and club supporters,” president Alex Robson said.

“Dave was a regular attendee at all our home matches until recent years.

“In 2012, the club bestowed Life Membership upon him.

“He also played for NSW in 1953 – one game as fullback – and was Cap No.887.”

The strapping fullback played his first grand final for The Waratahs in 1949, which resulted

in a hard fought 6-3 victory by Wanderers.

Not to be outdone, Bowtell and The Waratahs bounced back to win successive premierships in 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953.

Robson said the 1952 decider presented a problem for Bowtell, who was the club’s leading point scorer.

“Dave arranged for his wedding to Marie Harvey, a member of the club’s Ladies Committee, on the weekend after the first grade grand final,” he explained.

“Unfortunately for him, the match against Mayfield East resulted in an 11-all draw.

“It was rescheduled for the following weekend, the same day as Dave married Marie.

“The good news is that The Waratahs defeated Mayfield East 14-5 in the grand final – and Dave and Marie celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in 2002.”

The fullback was selected in The Waratahs Team of the Decade 1946-55 with the description of “safe handler and tackler who could link well with backline to make extra man. Very strong punt kick.”

On the representative scene, Bowtell played in the Newcastle side against Sydney in the curtain-raiser before NSW and the British Lions at the No.1 Sportsground in September 1950.

He also took the field for Newcastle against the All Blacks in 1951 and against Fiji at No.1 Sportsground in 1952 and 1954.

In May 1953, a number of selection trials were played in Newcastle for the upcoming Wallaby tour of South Africa.

Bowtell was a member of the Newcastle team that played Queensland on Monday 4 May.

On Wednesday 6 May, he was selected as fullback for NSW to play Queensland at the Sydney Sports Ground.

NSW won 14-8 in a close encounter, the match being his only cap for the state.

Robson said Bowtell retired at the end of the 1956 season but, 20 years later, made a cameo appearance in fourth grade.

All up, he played 98 matches in firsts for The Waratahs and 16 times for Newcastle.

He also was a member of the Silver Circle (a group of rugby mates who supported The Waratahs and its juniors) and a member of the The Waratahs Old Boys’ Association.

He continued his strong connection to The Tahs through son-in-law Ken Grieve (a former first grade coach and Life Member), grandson Chris who has played more than 300 games for the club and his great grandchildren who play junior rugby.

Funeral arrangements will be advised later this week.

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