Charles “Charlie” Fear has been a steadfast member of the RugbyWA community since the 1970s.
Serving on the RugbyWA Board since 2009, Charlie Fear is a well-known, well-respected member of the RugbyWA Community. His involvement with rugby has been longstanding, previously serving as the WARURA president from 2006 to 2009, in addition to his time on the RugbyWA board. In 2014 he was awarded Life Membership to RugbyWA.
Mr. Fear’s journey with rugby began in his home country of Kenya, playing for the Impala Rugby Club, before his family migrated to Perth in 1970. Following his move to Perth, he joined Western Suburbs – now Wests Scarborough – where he played for eleven years, across all grades including First Grade.
“During that period, Wests featured in many grand finals,” Mr. Fear shared. “I was fortunate enough to play in six across various grades, winning five.”
Mr. Fear continued his rugby journey in the 1980s at Kings Old Boys, before returning to Perth and joining a new side.
“I was cajoled by Geoff Stooke to join Associates, playing Third and Fourth Grade, where I played over one hundred games in the Club.”
“In the 1990s and early 2000s, I played for Nedlands, before taking up refereeing.”
Mr. Fear spent over ten years with the WA Referees (WAREFS), including five years on the Executive Board, and three years as President.
“I played my last game for Soaks, in Fourth Grade, at age 65. There was a refereeing appointment mix-up, so the Fourth-Grade captain handed me the number 7 jersey and told me I wasn’t refereeing the game, I was playing.”
“In my rugby career, I have been fortunate to play in 19 Grand Finals and win 14, simply because I was lucky to have played with outstanding teams.”
After over fifteen years on the board, Mr. Fear will be stepping down from his position, after reaching his allowable term. Throughout this time, he says his greatest achievement with the Board was fighting Rugby Australia’s decision to kick Western Force out of Super Rugby in 2017, and the following period which saw RugbyWA enter voluntary administration. The actions of the Board during this period ensured RugbyWA’s continuity, and for Force to have a second chance to represent Western Australian rugby.
Charlie’s work throughout this strenuous period was also cited as an immense accomplishment by RugbyWA Chair, John Edwards.
“Charlie's knowledge and background throughout that time was vital to the board, and especially bringing us back out. After that, assisting me with negotiating with RugbyAU and the state government,” Mr. Edwards shared.
Outside of Rugby, Mr. Fear is an experienced investment banker, cofounding Argonaut Limited in 2002 and serving as company Chairman for 17 years. Prior to that, he had a track record in Western Australia for working with businesses that were entering administration or liquidation, as an advisor for both sides.
“What he brought to the board was a high caliber business element, but he was also very good on areas of governance, and in particular, when things got sticky with Western Force.”
“Charlie was a real steady hand with assisting the board in a time of transition into solely a state union.”
“It caused us an enormous amount of grief. It was a tough time for a couple of years, and Charlie was hands on the wheel. It took us a couple of years before we got ourselves back in shape, and Charlie was a great comrade to have through those tough times.”
“Post that, Charlie continued to be a wise hand, who had a lot of experience on our board, as well as an all-round good guy.”
In 2004, it was Fear’s Argonaut Limited who were the key naming sponsors of RugbyWA’s Perth Gold, a move driven by his passion for rugby, and the desire for more investment into the game from Australia’s corporate sector.
Having worked with Charlie before and throughout this difficult period, Mr. Edwards said Mr. Fear has become a close friend, sharing some fun memories.
“Charlie only drinks Chardonnay, so every event we hosted had to have a special Chardonnay clause, just for Charlie. He's got a good sense of humor, doesn't mind laughing at himself.”
“He loves a Long Lunch; he's always shopping around for partners in crime. He doesn't mind having to fight for something he believes in.”
“We're going to miss him hugely.”
RugbyWA thanks Charlie for all his service to the rugby community throughout the years, and to the RugbyWA board over the past 15 years.
Mr. Fear will be succeeded by Carina Tan-Van Baren.
