The ARLC and the NRL are deeply saddened by the passing of Joyce Churchill, aged 99.
Joyce Churchill was a staunch and passionate supporter of rugby league and proud representative of her late husband, Immortal Clive Churchill.
The legacy of the Clive Churchill Medal will live on thanks to the extraordinary contributions of Clive and Joyce Churchill.
In 2014, Joyce Churchill presented the medal for the very first time to a Rabbitohs player when Sam Burgess proudly won the coveted award after playing 79 minutes with a fractured eye socket, suffered in the first tackle of the game.
In what was an emotional touch of nostalgia, Joyce wore the red and green pork-pie hat that was worn by her husband in grand finals when he was coaching the South Sydney club.
Rabbitohs chairman Nick Pappas said: “Today, our cub is in deep mourning for a woman who carried the historic name ‘Churchill’ with dignity and grace. We will always remember Joyce as a woman of great humility and principle who cherished the club her late husband Clive will always be synonymous with."
The NRL and ARLC sends its deepest condolences to Joyce Churchill's family and friends, as well as those who were touched by her generosity and support.
