Robert Bouffler
Robert (George) Bouffler
1874 - 1956
Rugby International
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Robert George Bouffler was a foundation member of the Orange Waratah Club and his strength and determination saw him represent at Central West New South Wales and Australian level. During his career with the Waratah Club, George Bouffler had a strong association with the legendary Larry Dwyer, with Bouffler guiding the club as coach and then President and Dwyer being Captain of the side.
George Bouffler was selected for New South Wales to play Queensland in 1905, and the same season her was selected as a loose forward for the Australian Test Team to play the British Isles in Sydney.
George was the second son of Robert Bouffler who was one of the pioneer families of the Orange District. His older brother, William was a Mayor of Orange.
During the time that he was coach of the club, three players were selected to represent Australia, Larry Dwyer, Charles McMurtrie and Ken Gavin. George also persuaded the Smith cousins Bede and Mac to play a season with the Waratahs, giving them a record of six international rugby players in a period of five years.
George always retained his association with the Waratah Club until it folded with the coming of League in the 1920s. At first George had no interest in league, often stating that sportsmanship suffered once money became involved. However, he was finally persuaded to join the league executive and at one stage he was the sole selector of league teams in Orange.
His association with the amateur code was renewed when rugby was revived in Orange. He took a particular interest in the Emus Club, of which his grandson Leon Bowyer was a prominent member. Leon represented New South Wales in 1962 and toured New Zealand in the Australian under 17 rugby team in 1984 and continued the line of representative rugby players from George Bouffler's family.
