Two rugby legacies brought together at the Australian War Memorial after 110 years.
Only two players have ever represented both the Wallabies and the British & Irish Lions in rugby union: Major Blair Inskipp Swannell and Lieutenant Thomas James Richards.
Now, 110 years after both men landed on the beaches of Gallipoli, their families have connected for the first time at the Australian War Memorial.
Blair was extraordinary, larger than life character.
Became the Lions player with the most test wins in history.
Was picked by Australia to play in the first test.
He signed up in the Australian infantry.
He landed on the first day of the Gallipoli landings and he was dead, sadly, by lunchtime.
Tom Rusty Richards was a unique character.
He loved rugby. He did everything he could to become the best at it.
That was his goal was to be the best.
Only two men have played for both the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions.
They both also fought at Gallipoli.
Over 100 years later, their families met for the first time to honour their legacy at the Australian War Memorial.
Great to be here at the War Memorial and to meet Robert and hearing about Blair Swannell, both of them very unique, extraordinary lives they lived.
But, Tom, the fact that we know so much about him is that he was a prolific writer.
2nd of May. No service at all today. 3rd May. Jack Reynolds is badly shot. While, Norman Roberts is dead.
His diaries are extraordinary.
He write down everything. And I love the fact that they are here at the Australian War Memorial.
This is the culmination of ten years of thinking about Blair.
But, actually coming here to this extraordinary memorial.
Really brings home the sacrifice that he made.
It’s so moving.