The Victorian rugby community and mourning the death of Bob Dalziel AM, who passed away on the 30th of May 2023.
A Founder of the Melbourne Rebels who was critical to the bid team that won Australia’s fifth Super Rugby license, Dalziel was a prominent figure across business, rugby, industry, and the not-for-profit sector.
He served as an Australian Rugby Union Director from 2006-2009 before becoming a Founding director of the Melbourne Rebels in 2011, where he remained as a Director until his passing.
He was a revered figure within Victorian Rugby, achieving life members status with Rugby Victoria, and the Victorian Schools Rugby Union, where he succeeded Sir Weary Dunlop to serve as Patron for over 25 years.
In 2019, he was recognised as a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to Victorian and Australian Rugby.
In acknowledgement of his contribution to the Rebels and Victorian Rugby, he was honoured with a stand at AAMI Park for Rebels home games.
His business acumen was extensive, including working across the retail, logistics, travel, property, telecommunications, and healthcare industries.
His decorated business career included a 13-year stint at Coles Myer and 15 years with multinational consumer goods company Unilever. Most recently he served as Chairman of Pacwel and his own Family Office.
Dalziel was also heavily involved in the not-for-profit sector with his involvement spanning forty years in tenure, most notably with Oxfam, Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, White Lion, and the Fred Hollows Foundation, where he was honoured as a life member.
Rugby Victoria President, Neil Hay, expressed his condolences.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of Bob’s passing," said Mr Hay.
"Today, we are mourning the loss of a true stalwart of Victorian Rugby, whose generosity and passion for our game at all levels was unparalleled. His absence leaves a void that will be deeply felt throughout our community.
"We are incredibly grateful for his lasting contributions and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time. May his legacy inspire generations to come."
