'Shattering news': Australian sport rocked by death of Greg Growden
The Australian sporting community is mourning the death of legendary journalist Greg Growden.
Growden lost his battle with cancer at the age of 60.
World-renowned for his rugby journalism (among other sports), Growden died on Saturday night at Royal Prince Alfred’s Lighthouse facility.
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He was one of only two journalists in the world to cover every Rugby World Cup since 1987.
He served as the Sydney Morning Herald’s chief rugby union correspondent from 1987 to 2012.
“Greg was widely respected here in Australia and abroad and made an exceptional contribution to the game,” Rugby Australia chief executive Rob Clarke said on Sunday.
“He was fearless and kept numerous coaches – and administrators – to account over his 40 years in the game.
“He will be remembered fondly and his legacy will still be felt for generations, thanks to his generosity as a mentor to young journalists around Australia.”
Aussie sport pays tribute to Greg Growden
Former Wallabies player Peter FitzSimons paid tribute to Growden in his Sydney Morning Herald column.
“As an author he was highly accomplished, with a very specific niche,” FitzSimons wrote.
“Greg went out after bringing to life those who history had passed by and forgotten, but who deserved to have their stories told.
“He faced his final illness with great stoicism and resolution. He knew he was in real trouble.
“The cancer came and went a couple of times. When it came back with a vengeance, he made his arrangements.”
Veteran sports journalist Robert Craddock wrote on Twitter: “Shattering news to learn of the death of outstanding sports writer Greg Growden.
“He was wonderful company and a superb writer. His biography of gifted but tortured wrist spinner Chuck Fleetwood Smith is regarded as one of cricket’s most compelling reads. RIP great man.”
Daily Telegraph rugby writer Jamie Pandaram added: “Had many memorable days sitting next to Greg Growden, listening to him working the phones, plying information from sources, issuing blistering rebukes.”
“An inspiration to work alongside and against. Thoughts with his family. RIP Growdy.”
Shattering news to learn of the death of outstanding sports writer Greg Growden. He was wonderful company and a superb writer. His biography of gifted but tortured wrist spinner Chuck Fleetwood Smith is regarded as one of cricket’s most compelling reads. RIP great man. pic.twitter.com/hpUAWickIQ
— Robert Craddock (@craddock_cmail) November 14, 2020
Had many memorable days sitting next to Greg Growden, listening to him working the phones, plying information from sources, issuing blistering rebukes. An inspiration to work alongside and against. Thoughts with his family. RIP Growdy
— Jamie Pandaram (@JamiePandaram) November 14, 2020
Tributes from fellow journalists and sporting identities flooded social media on Sunday.
Very sad to hear that Greg Growden died last night. While rugby was his first love, Growdy was a terrific cricket writer. He was also great company on tour. An exuberant man and great story teller. An Aus media cricket team photo of us from 86-87 is now even more precious. RIP.
— Malcolm Conn (@malcolmconn) November 14, 2020
Shocked by the news of Greg Growden's passing.
I'll never forget his incredible support and encouragement when our time overlapped at ESPN Aus/NZ - him already with a stellar career behind him, me very much starting out.
A wonderful writer and a generous man. Vale...— Brett McKay (@BMcSport) November 14, 2020
Vale Greg Growden. Wonderful writer. None better at the bar with a beer in hand. Mentor. Friend. Rest In Peace mate
— Chris Roots (@ChrisRoots1) November 14, 2020
Vale Greg Growden. An inspiration.
Kind, generous, hilarious and covered the game without fear or favour. Thoughts are with his family. X#fortfumble— Jessica Halloran (@JessiHalloran) November 14, 2020
How sad to read about Greg Growden’s passing. Such a nice bloke, always had good advice and up for a chat. Loved his Friday column. Fort Fumble and all those characters will miss him.
— John Stensholt (@JohnStensholt) November 14, 2020
We’ve lost a true legend in Greg Growden. Wonderful bloke, tremendous writer who always stuck to his principles and was first to offer advice to us youngsters. Was superb for @espnscrum and will be sorely missed.
— Tom Hamilton (@tomhamiltonespn) November 14, 2020
Great shock at the passing of Greg Growden. In the rugby writing game Growdy was a giant. A fearless critic, who could smell BS a mile off, a generous and funny bloke. He has gone way too soon. Thoughts with his family in Aus and his friends far and wide.
— Alex Spink (@alexspinkmirror) November 15, 2020
This photo was taken at Growdo’s 60th last year. It was his idea to form the front row. Like Rupe in the 1st pic we spoke thousands of times over the years. Work & jokes. We often referred to him as the Lane Cove Bear. Big man - big heart. Straight shooter, loyal friend. 😢 pic.twitter.com/3N3GaznMwf
— Djuro Sen (@DjuroSen) November 14, 2020
Very sorry to hear of the loss of Greg Growden, the sportswriting legend. So helpful and so inspiring and always fabulous company. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/DdN6fcfQQw
— Michael Crutcher (@MJCrutcher) November 14, 2020
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