HAWKER, Michael Charles Seymour

VALE, CHARLIE HAWKER
12 March 1948 – 16 August 2025

The friends of Charlie, many of whom are members of the Adelaide University Rugby Union Football Club (AURugby) are deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Charles “Charlie” Seymour Hawker.

Charlie studied Agriculture at the Waite Campus of the University of Adelaide, so developing his lifelong interest in wine. His love of rugby also began then, at St Mark’s College in 1966 playing for both the College and the University until the late 1980s.

Charlie was an indispensable member of AURugby for close to six decades. More than just a player, Charlie was a presence, and a character. He gave his time generously, supported his mates wholeheartedly, and carried the spirit of rugby both on and off the field.

Charlie is remembered with deep affection by generations of University players, members of the Crippled Crows, friends across South Australian rugby and the world. He was a Life Member of AURugby and the Crippled Crows. His legacy is one of camaraderie, and club spirit.

Charlie was a founding member of the "Old Blacks", a touring side of AURUFC players from the 70’s and 80’s. An inveterate traveler, Charlie joined his rugby friends whenever a trip was "on". South of France veterans always looked forward to his visits, with his bottles of Grange compared to the Grand Crus of France.

As a player in later years, Charlie was a proud member of the social team: the famous “Fourths”, led by Dick Leeson.

Charlie’s support of the juniors evolved when Axel, son of friend Rod Sonnenburg started playing for the "Short Blacks". Charlie took it on himself to get Axel to his Saturday morning games without fail. It was rare for Charlie to miss a game that Axel was playing in.

Season 2024 was the last we saw Charlie out at the Club, enjoying the rugby, the wine, and the company of many of his old friends.

Charlie gave generously to the Waite Sports Redevelopment project, a cause he spoke of often over the years. We are deeply saddened that he will not get a chance to raise a glass in the new facility when it is built, but look forward to toasting his memory there.

Charlie will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

This is a precis of an article from the AURugby facebook page. Go there for all the details.