The Australian rugby community is reeling after the devastating loss of an “absolute legend” in a terror attack at Bondi Beach. Sunday’s appalling incident, which targeted Jewish attendees at a Hanukkah event, has resulted in 15 fatalities and left 27 individuals hospitalised, with six in a critical condition.

Amongst those killed was Peter Meagher, fondly known as ‘Marzo’, a cornerstone of Randwick Rugby Club, and the rugby world is now full of tributes for this beloved figure. Meagher, the grandson of Wallabies international and Hall of Fame inductee Wally Meagher, had been integral to Randwick since 2018, serving as the first-grade team manager.

He was also a “highly-respected” referee across the Sydney region, devoting “countless hours” to the club and the game. A former police officer, Meagher’s dedication to the club saw him receive the Volunteer of the Year award five years ago, and his father, Ron, had previously held the position of Randwick’s president.

During his retirement, Meagher had pursued amateur photography and was reportedly on assignment at Bondi when the shooting took place. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the rugby community as they grieve the loss of one of their most cherished members. Local media have identified the attackers as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24. Akram senior died at the scene, whilst his son remains critically ill in hospital.

Randwick Rugby Club expressed profound grief over the loss of a cherished club legend in their statement. It reads: “‘Marzo’ as he was universally known, was a much-loved figure and absolute legend in our club, with decades of voluntary involvement, he was one of the heart and soul figures of Randwick Rugby.

“For much of the last decade, Marzo has been our trusted First Grade Manager, and this news has already hit our players, coaches, managers, volunteers and supporters extremely hard. Prior to that, he was also a highly respected long-term referee who was well known and respected in Sydney Rugby circles.”

The club offered its “deepest condolences to his wife Virginia, his brothers Greg, David, Andrew and Paul, their extended families and mountain of friends across Randwick Rugby, NSW Police, Sydney Rugby Referees and our local community,” the statement added. “We obviously extend our deepest sympathy to all the other victims, their families and loved ones, and those people traumatised by this barbaric act.

“We also sincerely thank and are in awe of all the first responders for their bravery and professionalism in dealing with such a dangerous and challenging situation to care for those in need. Rest in Peace ‘Marzo’ – we all love you and will miss you greatly. We are devastated.”

Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and the NSW Waratahs also released a joint statement, paying tribute to Meagher as a “beloved member” of his club. “Rugby Australia, NSW Rugby Union and the Waratahs join Randwick and the entire rugby community in mourning Peter Meagher, who lost his life during Sunday’s Bondi terror attack,” the statement read.

“Peter was a beloved member of the Galloping Greens, dedicating countless hours as first grade team manager and a volunteer referee, and followed in the footsteps of his father Ron and grandfather Wally, a Wallabies Hall of Famer, in serving the club. We extend our sincere condolences to Peter’s family, friends and clubmates as well as all the victims of Sunday’s tragedy,” the statement continued. We also thank our first responders, emergency services and everyday citizens for their selfless heroism in the face of terror. Rest In Peace, Marzo.”