2025 Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarship Update
“citizenship, scholarship, and a contribution to Rugby”
The Foundation is delighted to provide an update on the 2025 Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarship recipients and wishes Taj and Anakin continued success in furthering their Rugby aspirations while embracing the values of past scholarship recipients: citizenship, scholarship, and a contribution to Rugby.
Taj Mailei
In 2025 Taj demonstrated his organisational abilities and self-discipline while balancing his university studies and Rugby workload with Norths Colts.
Suffering a season ending injury in June, Taj approached his five months of rehabilitation with focus and determination and is working towards his goals of playing in grade.
The Rugby Club Foundation looks forward to watching Taj over the 2026 season as he strives for honours both academically and athletically, supported by the Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarship.
Anakin Richardson
In 2025, while completing year 11 at boarding school, Anakin played throughout the year in the 1st XV and was selected for the GPS 3rd XV. His success on the field was rewarded with selection in the 2025-26 U18s Waratahs training team.
With the goal of studying physiotherapy at University, Anakin will complete his HSC in 2026 whist continuing to strive for on field achievements via the 1st XV and various other representative teams.
The Sir Leslie Herron Rugby Scholarship will support Anakin as he pursues both his Rugby and academic goals.
Sir Leslie Herron RUGBY Scholarship Grant Recipients
Country
2026 - Maddy O’Brien
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
2026 - Skye Melrose
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