The National Rugby League (NRL) has today paid tribute to former Chief Medical Officer Hugh Hazard AM who passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Dr Hazard was the NRL’s chief medical officer from 1998 until 2010. He also served as the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs’ Chief Medical Officer from 1975 until 2010.
During his time with the NRL Dr Hazard was the Australian Kangaroos’ doctor and also worked with Australian teams at the World 7s and 9s.
Along with national duties, Dr Hazard worked with the NSW State of Origin and Country Origin squads.
He was a founding member of the Australian College of Sports Physicians and played a key role in introducing the Australian Sports Medicine Sports Trainers Course to aid grassroots rugby league.
NRL chief executive Todd Greenberg said Dr Hazard would leave a lasting legacy on the game.
“Hugh was a great man, a pioneer in his field who worked with some of the game’s greats,’’ he said.
“I had the pleasure of working with him at the Bulldogs for many years. He cared so much for the welfare of players and the players cared about him.
“So many medical advances we have seen in the game today were because of Hugh’s vision. In many ways he ensured sports medicine became a specialist field.
“I join the entire rugby league community in sending my deepest condolences to Hugh’s wife Ann, his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.”
