A life member of both the Armidale Blues Rugby Union Club and the Armidale Old Boys Rugby Club, Osbourne was recognised for years of selfless hard work when he was named NSW Country Rugby Union Volunteer of the Year.

Osbourne’s rugby roots in Armidale go back more than four decades when he started playing for the Teachers’ College in 1971.

He played another two seasons with that club before leaving the region for a short time to follow his career as a teacher.

Osbourne returned to Armidale in 1976 and began playing for St Albert’s college.

“I won a second grade premiership with Albies in ’83,” he said.

Following that win he and a number of other locals formed the Armidale Old Boys Rugby Club, which he stayed involved with until 2003 when the club merged with City United to become the Armidale Blues.

Currently secretary of the Blues, Osbourne has held numerous positions with all the clubs he has been involved with.

“Secretary seems to be my niche,” he said.

“But I’m happy to help wherever I’m needed.”

Osbourne said he was humbled upon receiving the award, but had an inkling something like it was coming from the vibe he picked up from other committee members.

“In knew something was in the wind,” he joked.

“I’m very honoured to receive it.

“There are thousands of others out there doing the same job I’m doing, but it was certainly great to receive it.”

Friends and family from all over NSW have been in contact to congratulate Osbourne since he was announced the winner last Friday.

When asked what had been the highlight during his many years involved in rugby in Armidale, Osbourne said it would be impossible to name just one, but he narrowed it down to a couple.

“One of the best things we have done is form the Blues,” he said.

“It really galvanised rugby in Armidale.

“We were one again after that.

“It’s one of the best things I’ve been involved in.”

Osbourne also said the events of last weekend were hard to go past.

After he received the award on Friday, his beloved Blues first grade claimed a second successive premiership on Saturday with an 18-10 win over Robb College in a thrilling grand final.

“I’ve been associated with many premierships,” he said.

“But winning this year was pretty special.

“We won the club championship too, two sides were minor premiers and all three were in the finals.

“This year was a thrill all round, really special.

“There is an excellent feeling in the club at the moment.”

The Blues stalwart has no plans in ending his time on the committee any time soon.

Osbourne said the planned clubhouse for the southern end of Moran Oval would be another huge achievement for the club when it becomes reality.

“We have a vision where we want this club to be in three or four years and we will work very hard to get to that point.” 

The formation of the Armidale Blues Junior Rugby Union Club and the Blues Netball Club were two other highlights he singled out.

“Both of those have been just great for the club,” he said.

“The Junior Blues are their own club now and they are very successful.

“The Netball Club has grown from two teams a couple of years ago to seven teams now.

“They are very supportive of the rugby club too. It was a win, win situation.”

Away from football, Osbourne has been a teacher at O’Connor Catholic College for 35 years.

“I taught half the town and know the other half,” he joked.

Every successful sporting club needs someone like Drummer, and luckily for the Blues he isn’t finished yet.