Foundations

Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop was a decorated war hero, surgeon, Victoria’s first Wallaby and a selfless contributor and leader in the community. The Weary Dunlop Rugby Foundation is based on the three pillars integral to Sir Weary Dunlop’s life; Education, Rugby Union, Community involvement and Leadership.

The Weary Dunlop Foundation aims to support young men and women with funding in order to assist in the pursuit of their education alongside rugby. It must be noted that applicants may be involved in rugby at any level, be they referees, coaches, administrators, support staff or players.

Winners of the Weary Dunlop scholarship exhibit the values of Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop and are future leaders in the rugby and business communities.

Our scholarship holders are exceptional young people who represent the Weary Dunlop Foundation in the community.

Weary Dunlop Foundation Board members

• Tim North
• Ron Graham
• Tony Fitzgerald
• Maryjane Crabtree
• Elizabeth Radcliffe

Shawn Ingle (2022)

Shawn has been playing rugby in Melbourne, since 2017, following a move to Australia from South Africa to study at the University of Melbourne. A key member the Melbourne University the Dewar Shield 1st Grade team and captaining the side from 2020-2022 Shawn, played over 80 games for the club, winning Best 1st Year Player in 2017, Best Forward in 2018 and Best Player in 2021 alongside being recognized as one of the State’s top players in 2021.  Shawn represented Melbourne Rising NRC in 2019, playing against Japan’s World Cup preparation team.

The Weary Dunlop Rugby Foundation supported Shawn to Study a Master Philosophy Industrial Systems, Manufacturing and Management at Cambridge University. During his time at Cambridge Shawn was awarded Blue #1278 playing in the Cambridge 1st XV against Oxford at Twickenham and was awarded best forward for 2022/23. During this time Shawn was selected for the German national squad for their 2023 Rugby Europe Championship campaign and earned his international 7s cap with the German 7s team.

No Award - COVID-19 Pandemic (2021)

Karin Gunatilake (2020) The Foundation supported Karin Gunatilake to complete the final year of her medical studies at the University of Melbourne when the COVID-19 Pandemic brought Victoria’s economy to halt, impacting Karin’s ability to work to support herself and pay her university fees. An international student from Sri Lanka, Karin was attracted to studying in Melbourne to gain “exposure to a multitude of sports, art and culture”, as well learning in the world-renowned biomedical hub that is the Parkville precinct. However, this move to Australia also provided the spark for a real passion in Touch Football and Rugby. A keen sportswoman, member of the Melbourne University Rugby Football Club, and AON Uni 7s representative; aspiring orthopaedic surgeon; and an individual who embodies the personal qualities of perseverance, commitment, and integrity that Dunlop was renowned for, Karin worked tirelessly to ensure she was able to complete her degree exemplifying Dunlop’s character, demonstrating incredible drive and commitment to overcome very challenging circumstances.

Yvonne Savea (2019)

Yvonne Savea, one of the most promising up-and-coming referees in Victoria, was recognised by Rugby Australia when she was invited to referee at the 2017 AON Uni 7's competition. Yvonne is qualified to referee both rugby 7's and XV's and refereed the Frankston International 7's as well as the Bendigo Goldfields 7's, the premier Sevens events in Victoria early in her refereeing career. The Foundation supported Yvonne in her tertiary studies at La Trobe University, supporting her to become a teacher.

Georgia Cormick (2018)

Georgia Cormick is an exciting scrum half who contributed to the growing game of Women's Rugby in Victoria. Georgia played in the Lindroth Cup premiership winning Melbourne Unicorns in 2017 and represented Victoria in both the 7's and XV's sides that year. Georgia played for the Melbourne Rebels Super W side from its inaugural season in 2017 until 2020 and was first named in the Wallaroos Squad in 2018. Georgia made her debut off the bench becoming Wallaroo No. 173 in 2019 against Japan and started against the Black Ferns later the same year.  The Weary Dunlop Rugby foundation scholarship supported Georgia to complete her Master’s Degree of Osteopathy at Victoria University. Georgia personifies the values of Rugby Victoria and the Foundation in all aspects of her life.

Declan Cox (2017)

Declan studied Environmental Science at Melbourne University. Currently in his second year of study, he is aiming to specialise in Structural Engineering. Declan also plays rugby for the Melbourne University Rugby Club and represented the Melbourne Rebels Under-20s in the 2017 Super Under-20s competition. The knowledge and leadership skills Declan gained through his experience in the Rebels Under-20s will see him become an even more important member in the Melbourne University community.

Andrew Smylie (2015)

Andrew was awarded the scholarship in 2015. The Melbourne Grammar student, who refereed in his spare time, played for 1st XV and was a member of Victorian schoolboy representative teams.

Jordan Uelese (2015)

Jordan was awarded the Weary Dunlop scholarship in his final year of secondary schooling at rugby powerhouse St.Kevin’s College. The support of the Weary Dunlop foundation helped Jordan along the impressive path he has taken since graduating, where in 2017 the talented hooker earned a contract with the Melbourne Rebels, and represented Australia in the Under 20’s Rugby World Cup where his talents on the field were invaluable to the Australian outfit. In September the same year Jordan made his international debut against the Springboks in a 23–23 draw in Perth earning Wallabies cap number 912 at just 20 years of age. Jordan is the first Victorian player to reach 50 caps for the Melbourne Rebels.