The rugby league community is mourning the loss of Joyce Churchill, the widow of the sport's immortal Clive Churchill, who has died at the age of 99.
A Life Intertwined with Rugby League History
Joyce Churchill was a constant and graceful presence in the sport for decades, most notably as the presenter of the prestigious Clive Churchill Medal awarded to the man of the match in the NRL grand final. She fulfilled this honour annually until her health declined in recent years.
Her connection to the game was profoundly personal. She was married to Clive Churchill, widely considered one of rugby league's greatest ever players. An original Immortal named in 1981, he captained Australia in 27 Tests and won four premierships with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, whom he later coached to glory in 1971.
A Cherished Figure at South Sydney
Joyce remained a staunch supporter of the Rabbitohs throughout her life. One of her most memorable public appearances came in 2014, when she attended South Sydney's grand final victory. This win marked the club's first premiership since her husband had coached them to the title 43 years earlier.
Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas led the tributes, stating the club was in 'deep mourning for a woman who carried the historic name 'Churchill' with dignity and grace.' He personally recalled pinning a life member's badge on her lapel as a privilege of his chairmanship.
Legacy of the Churchill Name
In an official statement, the NRL said it was 'deeply saddened' by her passing. The league acknowledged Joyce as a 'staunch and passionate supporter of Rugby League' and a proud representative of her late husband. The statement concluded that the legacy of the Clive Churchill Medal endures due to the extraordinary contributions of both Clive and Joyce.
Clive Churchill, whose playing career made him a national sporting icon, passed away in 1985. Joyce Churchill is survived by a legacy of unwavering dedication to the sport and club her husband loved.
