Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarship Recipients Announced
“citizenship, scholarship, and a contribution to Rugby”
In consultation with NSW Country Rugby Union, Sydney Junior Rugby Union and NSW Rugby Union, the Foundation’s Grants Committee has reviewed a number of impressive scholarship applications, and is pleased to announce that the recipients of the Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarships in 2025 are:
Taj Mailei (nominee of Sydney Junior Rugby Union)
Anakin Richardson (nominee of NSW Country Junior Rugby Union)
The Foundation wishes Taj and Anakin every possible success in furthering their Rugby aspirations while embracing the values of past scholarship recipients: citizenship, scholarship, and a contribution to Rugby.
The Foundation’s Grants Committee thank all applicants who applied for this year’s Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarships, noting that every applicant is an outstanding member of the Rugby community.
Taj Mailei
Taj Mailei is a dedicated tight head prop who has been playing with Northern Suburbs Colts since 2022. Although his 2024 was disrupted with injury, over the last two years former Norths Pirate has played representative Rugby for Combined Catholic Colleges NSW Schools, Sydney Junior Rugby Union, Pacific All Stars and was selected for the NSW Waratahs U16 squad in the Super Rugby Under 16 competition.
In addition to his Rugby success, Taj’s discipline and work ethic earnt him two unconditional offers to study at University prior to completing year 12 and he is now studying a Bachelor of Software Engineering at Macquarie University. Taj is deeply passionate about carrying forward the values of rugby - teamwork, resilience, respect - and inspiring the next generation of players through coaching and mentorship.
The Sir Lesile Herron Scholarship will assist Taj to further his development as both a student and athlete.
Anakin Richardson
Anakin Richardson began playing Rugby at eight years old with the Nelson Bay Gropers and has been selected to represent Hunter Wildfires in each age group since U10s. A versatile forward playing both hooker and seven, Anakin has also represented NSW Country, Combined High Schools and NSW Waratahs at U16.
In addition to playing Anakin is an active member of the Newcastle Rugby Union Referees Association. He is a gifted student who is dedicated to his studies and a leader in his community.
In his final years at school Anakin is keen to pursue a career in physiotherapy. The Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarship will support Anakin as he pursues both his Rugby and academic goals.
The Primary Object of the Foundation is to encourage the sport of Rugby in the State of New South Wales and elsewhere at a grassroots level. The Board of Directors of the Foundation has resolved that there is no more fitting way in which to demonstrate the Foundation’s commitment to grassroots Rugby than to continue to award the Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarships for the benefit of Junior Rugby participants.
Sir Leslie Herron RUGBY Scholarship Grant Recipients
Country
2025 - Anakin Richardson
2024 – Matthew Edwards
2023 – Charlie Norton
2022 – Darcy Brown
2021 – Mitchell Watts
2020 - Jayden Blake
2007 - Phillip Webb
2005 - Kieran Wallace
2004 - Doug Buchanan
Sydney
2025 – Taj Mailei
2024 – Coco Marsters
2023 – Leilani Taufa
2022 – Oscar Morgan
2021 – Liam Andrews
2020 - Ally Bullman
2007 - Daniel Alley
2006 - Tom Heslop
2005 - Mitchell Greenway
2004 - Robert Temaipi