Rugby has been played in Australia since the early 1800s and organized club rugby in Sydney since 1854.

The Queanbeyan 'Whites' Rugby Union Club formed in 1954. A founding member was Peter "Froggy" Morton who died on Melbourne Cup Day last year. His legendary involvement with the club included being a representative player, a coach, club official, fitness advisor and strapper.

In the sixties Peter Ryan played with the Wallabies, a full back whose trademark was to chime into the backline and create an overlap. Peter scored many tries this way but was better known as a goal kicker. A story is told about a 'ball boy' who quit because Peter Ryan kicked the ball so far.

The club produced not only top rugby players like Peter Ryan and David Campese but others who starred in Rugby league such as Ricky Stewart, Matt Giteau, David Furner, Terry Campese and Tongan international Viliame Iongi. Others went on to play top level rugby union and rugby league in Australia and overseas.

Through the 1960s and into the 70s rugby union was supported by various Queanbeyan High School teachers, and along with boys that went to St Edmunds College where rugby was the premier sport, this provided the Whites with a reservoir of rugby talent.

'Looking Both Ways' next week will focus on the club's success and the scope of rugby activities it supports.

For comments, feedback or ideas email lookingbothways2015@gmail.com