Australian rugby fans were saddened this week after legendary former player Eric Tweedale died at the age of 102. 

According to Rugby.com, Tweedale was born in England but immigrated to Australia as a child where he took up what would become his signature sport.

A career that spanned continents

Tweedale's career was interrupted by WWII, which saw him serve in the South Pacific after volunteering for the Royal Australian Navy.

The Rugby community is in mourning following the passing of Wallaby #336, the legendary Eric Tweedale.

Eric was the oldest living Wallaby, aged 102. He will be sadly missed and our thoughts go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/faYxzs9G45

— Rugby Australia (@RugbyAU) October 18, 2023

Following the war, Tweedale was selected to play for Australia's national union rugby team, which is nicknamed the Wallabies. 

Tweedale's time spent as a rugby player took him to the United Kingdom and Europe. He went on to coach the sport following his retirement.

Niece will miss her uncle's "rib-crushing hugs"

Tributes to Tweedale quickly appeared online, including from his niece, Newcastle Councilor and podcast host, Carol Duncan.

In a post put up on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Duncan called her uncle "a sensational man" and added that she would "miss his rib-crushing hugs."

Vale my incredible Uncle Eric Tweedale. 102 years old & proud former @wallabies team member. A sensational man who live a big, full life. So loved. I will miss his rib-crushing hugs! pic.twitter.com/Pz1DYXhocM

— Carol Duncan (@carolduncan) October 17, 2023

Christy Doran is a former Fox Sports correspondent who currently serves as Rugby editor at The Roar, and he spoke up as well, declaring, "The oldest Wallaby Eric Tweedale farewelled us recently. RIP."

The oldest Wallaby Eric Tweedale farewelled us recently. RIP https://t.co/Dzt4buuW77

— Christy Doran (@ChristypDoran) October 18, 2023

Tweedale was reunited with girlfriend after 62 years

Tweedale was the subject of a report in 2018 by Rugby World Cup about how he was reunited with his girlfriend 62 years after they met during WWII.

Australia's oldest living player served in WW2, toured the British Isles with @qantaswallabies in 1947 and after being separated from his girlfriend during the war, was reunited with her 62 years later.

This is the incredible story of Eric Tweedale: the 97 year old Wallaby. pic.twitter.com/eItqGY6F8K

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 3, 2018

"I remember walking into the hall that night with a few of my friends there, and I looked straight across the other side of the hall, and there was this good-looking, blond, blue-eyed young lass," Tweedale recalled.