This photo appeared in the Campus Bulletin, Number 7, September 2 - 16, 1988.

The text read: "A love of rugby. The Heanlys are rugby union enthusiasts.  They are pictured with Dr Bernie Curran, who is also a bit keen on the game (so Campus Bulletin understands).  It is not surprising that Mark, Paul, James and Stephen Heanly have strong feelings for the game; their grandfather captained Parkhouse, Kent, and their father, for HMS Conway, and North Wales and the Minehead Barbarians.  Twenty years ago the Heanly family immigrated to Australia.  Peter, the father, joined Eastwood District Rugby Club and the boys' first experience of rugby was having 'rumbles' on the bank in front of the club house while Dad showed them how it should be done on the paddock.  The Boys started their own rugby careers in the Epping under 6s, where to get covered in mud was just as much fun as to score tries.  Peter Heanly became a coach with Epping Juniors and at some stage all the boys came under his instruction.  From Epping Juniors, representing Eastwood, Chatham High School, Taree, and country rugby, Mark, Paul, James and Stephen's interest and skill in the game has steadily improved.  The family's move north enabled Peter and the boys to join the Old Bar Clams, undoubtedly the top team in the Mid-North Coast competition.  Peter and Mark had the unique pleasure of packing down together in the scrum.  How many fathers and sons can lay claim to such an experience?  While in Taree, the Heanly boys represented the North Coast on tours to New Zealand.  Paul and Stephen have also been selected to play for Newcastle Opens and Under 19s respectively.  All four young men are now living in Newcastle and pleased to be playing for University Rugby Club.  The boys most ardent supports are their parents, Peter and Hilary, who can be seen (and heard!) on the side line every Saturday afternoon.  Our photograph shows Dr Bernie Curran with the Heanly family. 

This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Special Collections. 

The image can be used for study and personal research purposes. If you wish to reproduce this image for any other purpose please contact Special Collections.