FROM an Ipswich schoolboy rugby player to Commonwealth Games silver medallist – James “Chucky” Stannard was always made of the right stuff.
The former St Edmund’s College student proved that in Delhi when he shared in Australia’s gallant effort in Tuesday night’s gold medal match.
It was all due to the Stannard efforts that Australian Rugby sevens side win a shiny silver medal at a Commonwealth Games,Although the powerful New Zealanders came from 17-7 down to win 24-17
Stannard was destined for higher honours even at school a decade ago, according to Former St Edmund’s teacher and First XV rugby coach Michael Grieve said that " Stannard was a good leader during his five years at the school and he is very passionate guy"
Grieve said yesterday, spotlighting Stannard's rugby achievement from a non-GPS school that,"He was always keen and had to work really hard to make it to that level and it would have been really difficult for him and he hiatus at it. Now he is traveling the world, achieving the awards and he deserves every plaudit that he gets"
St Edmund’s College assistant principal activities and respected sportsman Wayne Warren also watched Stannard build his reputation at school as a capable cricketer and “very tough, hard-nose” rugby halfback.
“I think the great aspect of James success is his determination to keep going and to succeed,” Warren said.
“So often lads drop out of the game through overexposure or lack of enthusiam and determination.
“It is a wonderful highlight for his career to get that silver medal last night.
“I think it’s a real testiment to his game that he’s been able to stick at it.”
The former Brisbane Souths player, now 27, is contracted to return in next year’s Super 15 competition.
Souths committee member Peter Daly said Stannard’s rise was “a great success story in Ipswich”.
“I just think it’s great for a kid coming from a school that wasn’t so renowned for its rugby,” Daly said.
“He had a dream like a lot of kids but he stuck hard and fast to it.”
Once able to join the Brisbane competition club, Stannard spent five seasons honing his skills playing halfback, five-eight and inside centre.
On Tuesday night, Australia’s “everywhere man” Stannard was left with battle scars on his face after starring in the national team’s best rugby sevens finish at the Games since Australia won a bronze medal in 1998.
Stannard was a regular try scorer and Australia’s goal kicker throughout the two-day tournament. He scored a vital try and goal in Australia’s 17-7 semi-final victory over South Africa.
He also crossed twice and kick a goal in Australia’s 27-5 quarter-final victory over Kenya.
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