More than 500 guests attended The State of Union Debate: NSW v QLD at The Four Seasons Hotel on George Street on Friday 15 June. The annual event held by The Scots College Rugby Support Group proved to be more fiery than ever when legendary ex Wallaby, former NSW Waratahs' Captain and Australia's most capped fullback, Matt Burke teamed up with Scots Old Boy Tim Gavin ('82), ex Wallaby and fellow former NSW Waratahs' Captain to make up the Blues' side of the draw. Providing opposition for the Reds' team were ex Wallaby's Captain, two time World Cup winner and former Queensland Reds great, Tim Horan AM and ex Wallabies and Queensland Rugby Representative star Damian Smith.

The afternoon proved to be an encounter worth waiting for as all four shared stories, triumphs, and low points with exactly the same shared passion they took onto the pitch.

With Debating skills to rival their silky footwork when on the pitch NSW triumphed over the gallant but defeated QLD team. The guests at the successfully organised event were the real winners taking home some enviable insights into the passionate minds of these Rugby legends.

The competition was moderated by Master of Ceremonies Sally Loane and included special guests, former Wallabies greats and Scots Old Boys James Boyce ('58), Philip Crowe ('73) and Rupert Rosenblum ('58), whom also shared stories and insights of their professional playing careers but also of the special times at The Scots College.

"It was a great credit and honour to have these fine men speak and inspire today's generation of students at The Scots College," said Dr Ian PM Lambert, Principal of The Scots College.

25 June 2012

Photograph: The State of Union Debate Panel from left to right Damian Smith, Tim Horan AM, Sally Loane, Tim Gavin and Matt Burke