Masters of Rugby League Australia has introduced Heritage numbers for those Masters players who have toured to England with Australia and played for Australia against Great Britain. Masters of Rugby League Australia CEO, Malcolm Duncan, explained that he wanted to give recognition to those had made the long journey up to England.
Malcolm himself already has the Great Britain Masters heritage number 00 in recognition of his contribution to the introduction of Masters in England.
In recognition of their support for the Australian Masters Rugby League tours to England, Masters of Rugby League Australia has award honorary Australia Masters Heritage Numbers to two Great Britain internationals, John Connell and Paul Field.
John was awarded number 000 to go with his Great Britain Masters Heritage number of 22: John, a member of the very first Great Britain tour to Australia in 2009 also touring in 2017 to New Zealand and Australia, has been prominent in playing Masters over the last 10 year and has helped out Australian touring sides in England.
Paul, Great Britain Heritage number 18, played in the very first Great Britain Masters team to take on Australia back in 2008 as well as touring down under in 2009, 2015, 2017 and 2019. He has also refereed several Masters international games including Great Britain v Australia and New Zealand v Australia. Paul is the current Treasurer of Masters Rugby League and is Masters referee lead. Paul’s Australian Heritage number is 00.
John posted “Feeling Blessed… I feel honoured and humbled to be awarded this and thanks Malcolm, every one else.. not forgetting our “Absent Masters Mates” too”
Australia Masters are currently organising their 2020 tour to England.