What is the Background to the Trophies ?

MURFC  awards 5 major trophies to players and members at the end of season function.

These include the:

• Lt John Harold Sterling Trophy.  This trophy is awarded to the best 1st year player at MURFC.  It was first presented by E.R. Reynolds Q.C. in 1920 in memory of his fellow player from the University’s 1910 premiership team Lieutenant John Harold Sterling, who was killed in the First World War.
• Justin Hobbs Trophy.  This trophy was presented by past players in memory of their teammate Justin Hobbs. Justin played for MURFC in the 50′s/60′s but died tragically of kidney disease soon after retiring as a player. He was a vital part of 4 premiership winning teams, and was highly admiread as a Club man and an attacking player.  The trophy is awarded annually to the player who best demonstrates the spirit of attack.
• Geoff Vaughan Trophy.  This trophy is presented by the Club to the player best demonstrating mastery of the front row position, and displaying team-inspiring spirit, in the tradition of the Victorian Captain and Wallaby Vice-Captain and Prop, who captained the Club to four premierships between 1959 and 1963.
• Gordon Sturtridge Trophy.  The Gordon S.Sturtridge Cup was presented by his friend Colin (Kiwi) Lowndes, in memory of Dr Gordon Sturtridge – a former captain of Melbourne University, Victoria, and later Northhampton (England).  The first Victorian Wallaby, he played for Australia in nine tests, generally as five-eight, including all five tests in South Africa in 1933.  It is awarded, at Colin’s request, to the player who contributes most to the club both on and off the field during the year.
• Lotomau Komiti Trophy.  The Lotomau Komiti trophy was presented by his family to MURFC in 2010 in memory of Lotomau. Lotomau was a former ARU Volunteer of the Year and was a strong supporter of the Colts. It is awarded, at the families request, by the Colts Coach as an encouragement award to the player who shows the most potential for the future.