Growing up in Merrylands and Guildford, Mr Tweedale was 15 when he played first grade Rugby for Parramatta, now the Western Sydney Two Blues, and after serving in the navy during World War II, he was selected for the Wallabies team in 1946 to play against the All Blacks in Australia’s first international Test post-war.
Going on to represent the Wallabies 10 more times, he was part of a largely successful touring side to Europe in 1947/48.
The Wallabies beat Scotland, Ireland and England before losing 13-6 to France.
Eric played his final Test against the All Blacks in 1949, winning 18-3 at Sydney Cricket Ground.
A lifelong supporter of Parramatta, now Two Blues, he was instrumental in getting junior rugby union off the ground in the late 60s and across the western suburbs.
Friend and club colleague Peter Thompson who was on the first team to win the Shute Shield in 1977 after joining in 1974, said Eric was an amazing person and as sharp as tack.
“We went shopping for a watch a few months ago and the way Eric haggled was very impressive for a centenarian; he had a very strong intellect,” he said.
“He was a real mover and chaser who got things done but you would never meet a finer gentleman, he didn’t tolerate swearing in front of women and the advice he gave to young players was always ‘be punctual, don’t let anybody down’.
“When you met Eric it made you want to be a better person.”
Survived by daughter Kay and three grandchildren, he will be farewelled privately ahead of a tribute event at the club with further details to be announced.
Former Cumberland Mayor, Cr Steve Christou said he was deeply saddened to hear of Mr Tweedale’s passing.
“Eric was a man of great integrity and inspiration to us all,” he said.
“I remember when the new Granville Stadium was being built for the Western Sydney Two Blues we had to think of a name for the ground. In the end it was a fairly simple decision to name the ground after Eric.
“Eric might have left us in this world but his memory will always be alive and carry on through the Western Sydney Two Blues and the Eric Tweedale Stadium.
“I remember fondly celebrating with him at the Western Sydney Two Blues club award presentation nights and even into his late nineties he had all the dance moves with the ladies.
“Eric will be sadly missed by all. My deepest condolences thoughts, and prayers go out to his family at this most difficult time”.
Oldest living Wallaby Tweedale, 102, dies
WITH Granville Park Stadium named in his honour, Western Sydney Two Blues Rugby Union patron and playing legend Eric Tweedale – the oldest living Wallaby – has died at the age of 102.