2023 Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarship Update
“citizenship, scholarship, and a contribution to Rugby”
The Foundation is delighted to provide an update on the 2023 Herron Scholarship recipients and wishes Leilani and Charlie continued success in furthering their Rugby aspirations while embracing the values of past scholarship recipients: citizenship, scholarship, and a contribution to Rugby.
Charlie Norton
During 2023, Charlie continued to play Jack Scott Cup with the Hunter Wildfires and trained with the NSW Waratahs Women’s pre-season squad which necessitated travelling from Newcastle to Sydney four times a week.
Charlie earned selection in, and was named Club Captain for, the first NSW CHS 7s team and was being selected to attend the inaugural U19 Invitational Australian Youth XV camp at the Gold Coast in late 2023.
Charlie also worked as a Development Officer for NSWRU by refereeing, coaching and assisting with gala days whilst studying for her HSC.
Leilani Taufa
Throughout 2023 Leilani continued to play, referee and coach thus maintaining her involvement in the game even when injured. Her playing form in the State Championships earned Leilani selection for Sydney in the annual City v Country tournament. Leilani was also honoured to represent Tonga at the Pacifica Cup and to participate in the World Youth 7s on the Gold Coast.
Leilani was selected to for the Sydney Youth Referee Academy, a new youth match official development program .
Leilani is looking forward to completing the Level 2 Coaching Course after she completes her HSC studies this year.
SIR LESLIE HERRON Rugby SCHOLARSHIP GRANT RECIPIENTS
Country
2024 – Matthew Edwards
2023 – Charlie Norton
2022 – Darcy Brown
2021 – Mitchell Watts
2020 - Jayden Blake
2007 - Phillip Webb
2005 - Kieran Wallace
2004 - Doug Buchanan
Sydney
2024 – Coco Marsters
2023 – Leilani Taufa
2022 – Oscar Morgan
2021 – Liam Andrews
2020 - Ally Bullman
2007 - Daniel Alley
2006 - Tom Heslop
2005 - Mitchell Greenway
2004 - Robert Temaip